Trees and trails: Oldest elm tree in Europe among Highland projects to secure funding

By Lauren Robertson

September 1 2022, 6:17 pm

The Beauly Wych Elm tree.

Two community projects in the Highlands have been awarded funding from Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

This round of the Historic Environment Support Fund will support the legacy of the oldest elm tree in Europe and the development of heritage trails in Drumnadrochit and Strathglass.

Circus Artspace runs a project to celebrate the historic Beauly Wych Elm tree in the grounds of Beauly Priory.

Though it is now dying of Dutch Elm disease, it is still believed to be the oldest of its kind on the continent, dating back to at least 1798.

Only 5% of the tree is still alive, but the group has been awarded £2,500 to promote its history.

Kirsten Body, of Circus Artspace said: “We are working in collaboration with artist Isabel McLeish to celebrate this important Wych Elm tree, which has been described as ‘living archaeology”. Sadly, the tree is dying of Dutch Elm Disease and had its last buds in 2021.

“We are very grateful to HES for their support accessing Beauly Priory and this opportunity for us to develop a community archive and maintain the legacy around this ancient tree.”

Guardian of the Gateway: Isabel McLeish Introducing the Beauly Wych Elm 🌳The ancient Wych Elm tree at Beauly Priory is nearly 800 years old and believed to be the oldest Wych Elm in Europe. Historic Environment Scotland describes the tree as “living archaeology” and an estate map from 1798-1800 shows an avenue of Elm trees in Beauly with this particular tree being the last one remaining from this avenue. The stature of elms has made them imposing landmarks and boundary markers. The Wych Elm of Beauly Priory has marked the entrance to the grounds for 800 years. Sadly, the tree is dying of Dutch Elm Disease with only 5% of it still living. The tree likely had its last buds in 2021 and will decline over the next 5-10 years.Part of #YS2022 with Year of Stories Community Stories Fund support from #EventScotland, #MuseumsGalleriesScotland and National Lottery Heritage Fund. 🙌🏼#TalesOfScotland #CircusArtspace

Posted by Circus Artspace on Monday, 13 June 2022

Paving the way for new trails

Community charity Soirbheas has been awarded £15,700 from the fund to help develop the new heritage trails across Drumnadrochit and Strathglass.

The trails aim to highlight the area’s “hidden gems” through leaflets, a walking festival and the installation of way markers and QR codes.

Carol Masheter, community development officer at Soirbheas, said: “This grant award will allow Soirbheas an exciting opportunity to work with local groups, schools, the wider community and visitors, bringing our rich heritage to the forefront and celebrating some hidden gems.”

Just under £100,000 has been awarded to community projects in this latest round of funding from HES.

“We’re pleased to support these initiatives, and others across Scotland, as part of the Historic Environment Support Fund,” said Amy Eastwood, head of grants.

“These projects bring positive contributions to communities throughout Scotland – from traditional skills training to engaging the public with our history and heritage.”