Kirkwall’s sycamore is tree of the year

An Orcadian sycamore which “owes its existence” to the Napoleonic wars has been named Scottish Tree of the Year.

The 200-year-old socalled Big Tree in Kirkwall has received a £1,000 care package from the People’s Postcode Lottery after being announced yesterday as the winner of the competition run by the Woodland Trust.

It was first planted in a walled garden, along with two others, by a landowner who got their wealth due to trade restrictions during the Napoleonic wars.

People’s Postcode Lottery country director Annemiek Hoogenboom said: “Massive congratulations to Orkney and its much-loved Big Tree.

“We are delighted that our players can support the nurture and celebration of trees held in such great affection by their communities.”

During the Napoleonic wars, international trade collapsed and the kelp industry boomed on Orkney, producing ash to be made into soap and glass.

A number of Orcadians became very wealthy and built houses in Kirkwall.

One of these houses had a walled garden in which three sycamore trees were planted.

In the 1870s, a new owner felled two of the trees, which caused public outcry, saving the third.

As Kirkwall grew, the Big Tree eventually found itself in a street rather than a garden.

It now is a well-known landmark in the town and has been used as a meeting place by generations of Orcadians.

Woodland trust scotland director Carol Evans said: “The Big Tree may be a comparatively modest specimen but it has a big place in Kirkwall’s heart. A worthy winner.”

The much-loved Big Tree in Kirkwall.