Robert the Bruce Yew Tree named in Queen’s Green Canopy
The Queen’s Green Canopy recently announced the network of 70 Ancient Woodlands and 70 Ancient Trees across the United Kingdom which will form part of the Ancient Canopy to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.
Luss Estates Company is delighted that the Robert the Bruce yew tree has been chosen as part of a nationwide network of 70 Ancient Woodlands and Ancient Trees to be dedicated to The Queen in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee.
The initiative was launched by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, who is Patron of The Queen’s Green Canopy, under one of the Ancient Tree dedications - the old Sycamore located at Dumfries House in Scotland.
Robert the Bruce Yew Tree
In 1306, after King Robert the Bruce had been ambushed at the Battle of Methven his remaining forces fled west from Perthshire. Reaching Loch Lomond he ferried his 200 men slowly across the loch to safety.
They reached the yew, which stands on a rocky hill outcrop known as Stuc an t’Iobhairt (or the Hill of the Sacrifice). They took sanctuary under its branches and King Robert regaled his men of stories of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.
The men later fled further west to the Isles and returned in 1307 to win the Battle of Loudoun Hill in May 1307
"The Tree is a living link back to an age of heroes, when our nation at one of its most dire moments rallied and produced heroes. Heritage is often brushed aside as irrelevant, but here we have something that almost certainly bore witness to Scotland’s greatest Warrior Kings at one of the lowest moments of his life. If that is not truly amazing, I don't know what is." David Reid from the Society of John De Graeme (the society was set up in 2016 to raise awareness of the deeds and life of Sir John de Graeme, who was Sir William Wallace’s closest friend and most loyal knight).
Established over hundreds of years, the chosen woodlands and trees represent the diverse canopy of the four nations of the United Kingdom and are a celebration of our living heritage. All the woodlands and trees have a story to tell. Some are famous specimens and others have a local significance. These ancient natural spaces hold significance and meaning for so many people in many ways; some are of historical significance; some symbols of community pride; places to connect socially or vital spaces for health and wellbeing activities.
By sharing the stories behind the ancient woodlands and trees, as well as the incredible efforts that are made to protect them, The Queen’s Green Canopy aims to raise awareness of these treasured habitats and the importance of conserving them for future generations.