It’s Lt’s spruce to win urges MSP Liz

Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Liz Smith, has called on her fellow parliamentarians to back David McCabe’s spruce to be named Scotland’s Tree of the Year 2017.

The spruce started life in 1917 when it was sent back to Crieff by Lt David McCabe to his father from Passchendaele. Lt McCabe later died from injuries sustained in war, but his sapling was planted and has since grown fully in the 100 years since the battle.

The Tree of the Year competition is run by the Woodland Trust and members of the public can vote online for their favourite tree with the winner named at an awards ceremony in the Scottish Parliament in December.

Ms Smith believes that the Abercairney Spruce would make a fitting winner in the year of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele.

Commenting she said:“There are a number of stunning contenders to be named Tree of the Year 2017 but I believe the story of David McCabe’s spruce, particularly in this symbolic year, is difficult to beat.

“Crieff is uniquely connected to the Battle of Passchendaele and has held a number of commemorative events so far to mark its 100th anniversary and scooping the Tree of the Year title would top this off.

“The Battle of Passchendaele is remembered as one of the deadliest battles in the First World War but the story of Lt McCabe’s spruce demonstrates that hope and renewal can spring from the most harrowing of circumstances.

“I would call on members of the public and people in Crieff to get online and cast your vote in favour of Lt McCabe’s spruce.”