‘Europe’s oldest’ wych elm tree at Beauly Priory uprooted after falling victim to disease

By Denny Andonova

January 5 2023, 7:47 pm

The ancient tree had stood proudly in the grounds of Beauly Priory for more than 800 years. Image: Historic Environment Scotland.

An ancient tree believed to be the oldest wych elm in Europe has fallen down in the grounds of Beauly Priory.

The so-called Beauly Elm had been standing proudly at the entrance of the historic site for more than 800 years.

Often referred to as a symbol of cultural heritage, it is the only survivor from an avenue of elms that once stretched from the priory to the town square.

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

Its extraordinary life was celebrated with stories, food and art at a special event in Beauly in October, which attracted more than 100 people from near and far.

In the last few years, however, the tree has been ravaged by Dutch Elm Disease.

Experts from Historic Environment Scotland previously warned of the dire condition of the tree, which had been left with only 5% living material.

‘Farewell old friend’

This morning, images shared by locals showed Beauly Elm laying uprooted among the gravestones in the priory, having fully succumbed to the disease.

Many have now taken to social media to express their sorrow for the loss of the village’s iconic landmark.

Loose in the Highlands Facebook page stated: “Saddened to see that the beautiful and spooky tree at Beauly Priory has fallen.

Saddened to see that the beautiful and spooky tree at Beauly Priory has fallen. Over 800 years old, the changes it must…

Posted by Loose in the highlands on Thursday, 5 January 2023

“Over 800 years old, the changes it must have seen. I had read it was suffering from Dutch Elm disease. Not sure what can be done to preserve or memorialise now it is down.”

Annette George posted: “The saddest of news, the 800-year-old wych elm in Beauly Priory has fallen. It had advanced Dutch Elm Disease, but with the recent bad weather we’ve had, it was too much for the ancient beauty to bear.

“I can’t imagine it not being there any more. Farewell old friend.”

Beauly Elm lives on in 3D

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) previously laser-scanned the elm as part of work to document ancient Scottish trees.

According to Woodland Trust, wych elm is the only elm regarded as being truly native to the UK, and is most common in Scotland.

It usually grows in hilly or stony woodlands, or near streams and ditches and is hardier than the English elm. Its name refers to how easily the wood can be bent.

And while Beauly Elm can no longer be seen in all of its glory in person, an online 3D model gives locals and visitors an opportunity to view the tree from different angles.

Beauly Elm by Historic Environment Scotland on Sketchfab