Tree of the month

SCOTS PINE

Scotland’s pride – and native pine

These gorgeous green giants can make 35 metres, and live for around 300 years: not that you’d know. Its resins slow the rate of decay, so they can be dead for up to a century before they topple. Look for: pinecones! And evergreen needles. Celebri-tree: Doon Hill’s Fairy Tree in Perthshire. In the 17th century, the local reverend became intrigued with fairylore, even penning a book on the subject. When he died on Doon Hill, some blamed fairies. Some even say his spirit was confined to the pine that sits atop of the hill. Notes and cloots (cloths signifying wishes) are left by the tree today.