SCOTS PINE, MORAY FOREST

‘The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.’ ― John Muir, Scottish-American naturalist & author
The Great Caledonian Forest – the ancient woods that once cloaked much of northern Scotland – still figures prominently in both the Scottish landscape and imagination. The remaining areas of old-growth Caledonian pinewood are now precious and protected, and to walk through them is to reconnect with an era of true wilderness – a bygone time of lynx, brown bears and wolves.

Queen of this wild wood, past and present, is the Scots Pine, a tree of distinction. The only true native pine of the British Isles, it was crowned the national tree of Scotland in 2014. Classically conical in its early years, the long-living Scots Pine becomes more eccentric as it ages, often developing a lofty, branchless trunk and a crown in its later years. Its green-blue needles grow only in pairs, with a distinctive twist. Scottish pinewoods now provide a treasured habitat for unique species such as the capercaillie, a striking woodland grouse; the rare Scottish crossbill, the only bird species found exclusively in the British Isles; and the scarce and elusive Scottish wildcat.

As colour drains from the winter landscape, the Scots Pine ­– long held as a symbol of hope, strength and vitality – remains saturated in green, emanating the scent of its resinous sap.