Tree cheers for Balfron’s ancient oak

Now the area’s most famous tree is poised to win Scotland’s tree equivalent of the X-factor, competing in the Tree of the Year contest against rivals which include a giant redwood - supposedly grown from a seed sent back from the California Gold Rush – and a tree from Birnam Wood, made famous in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

The Clachan Oak at Balfron is one of just six finalists in the Scottish heat of a UK-wide annual contest run by the Woodland Trust, and if it emerges winner will compete for the British title against famous trees from England and Wales.

It could even progress to the competition’s European final, being judged against famous trees from countries likec Germany and Denmark.

A spokeperson from Balfron Community Council said on the organisation’s Facebook page: “Hurrah! The Clachan Oak, centrepiece of the village and our logo, has been shortlisted as one of six finalists.

“You - and everyone else you can think of - will be able to vote for it on the Woodland Trust’s website. Let’s make it happen.”

The contest aims to highlight the fact that venerable trees like the Clachan Oak are important icons of cultural heritage that need and deserve special protection – just like an A-listed castle or stately home.

This year there were more than 200 nominations for trees in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so to get to the final six of the Scottish entry is reckoned a major achievement in itself.

The English entries include a yew tree close to where England’s King John was forced to cave in to his barons’ demands at sword point, and an oak where Charles II hid from Cromwell’s Roundheads.

There’s more on the Tree of the Year contest at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/tree-of-the-year/scotland/