Collect these acorns

“I was in Birnam recently where the whole of the Dunkeld area has been magnificent this year in its autumn colours,” writes a former Birnam resident.

“Around the ancient oak beside the Tay that remains the nearest relative to the old Birnam Wood of Macbeth’s day – and right along Birnam Terrace beside the river – acorns lie aplenty. These are the real remnants of the ancient Birnam Wood, along with native birch, beech, ash, alder elder, Scots pine and wild cherry that flourish throughout the area.

“Following up on your recent correspondence regarding the unmarked and unsignposted Dunsinane Hill, of Shakespeare fame, why not collect some of these acorns and plant them on a selected spot at Dunsinane – surely the Forestry Commission would donate some Dunkeld-indigenous saplings and free advice – to create a memorial copse or small wood to mark the time when Birnam Wood marched to Dunsinane in one of the most famous plays in the world?

“It would be an interesting task for schools or students and create a welcome talking point. Obviously a longterm project, perhaps centuries in the making, but that could create its own interest.

“Tourism could be one of the beneficiaries a century from now. And, of course, it would need signposting and a proper explanation display!

“The main point is that it would mean Birnam Wood really had reached its destination as intended by the world’s Bard.”