One of the oldest trees in Europe

One of the oldest trees in Europe is located in a small village in Perthshire, Scotland called Fortingall. (Quite near our Heathergems factory in Pitlochry!)

The churchyard is host to a tree which has been estimated between 3,000 - 9,000 years of age. It has become a famous attraction is regularly visited by tourists. In the 18th century it measured at 56ft wide, which is massive.

It has been around for a very long time, and has experienced many different events in it's many years. It now has decayed quite a considerable amount from it's 'glory' days, but it does still live on. Walls were eventually built around it in 1842 to protect the tree. 

It has been used for many things (been through a lot..) and because the Yew Tree is poisonous, was commonly associated with death and funerals.

To name a few things it went through were things like the lighting of bonfires beside the tree during festivals like the Beltane Festival, then even some people trying to take a bit of memorabilia by taking carvings from the tree to make cups and quaichs to celebrate. These things did cause a massive amount of damage in the tree.

Although it has been associated with 'death' it is quite a marvel, and very much a tree of life. Not based on this tree, but we do have some items under the name 'Tree of Life', if you were interested. These include; Tree of Life Pendant, Tree of Life Brooch, Tree of Life Bangle, Tree of Life Earrings and other tree themed items too, if they take your fancy!