'Critically endangered' pine tree once thought to be extinct planted at Inverness Botanic Gardens to mark 30th anniversary
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A rare pine tree – believed to date back to the age of dinosaurs – has been planted at Inverness Botanic Gardens to celebrate the "important and vibrant green space".
To mark the incredible history and people involved in the Inverness Botanic Gardens through the years, the new tree has been planted in honour of 30 years of growing, following a 30th anniversary celebration held for staff and volunteers.
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The now-named Inverness Botanic Gardens was first opened in 1993 as the ‘Inverness Floral Hall and Gardens’ by Provost WAE Fraser and later by HRH Prince Edward.
A perfect spot was selected for the planting of the new tree, which was meaningfully chosen both for its extraordinary beauty and critically endangered status.
The tree-planting was executed by Provost for Inverness and Area, cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, with assistance from High Life Highland’s facilities manager Ewan Mackintosh, and Pamela Sutherland, Head Gardener.
Also, in attendance to witness this monumental event from Highland Council were Cllr Alex Graham, cllr Bill Boyd, and High Life Highland’s vice chair of board of directors, Michael Golding.
Provost for Inverness and Area, cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, shared: “I was delighted to be invited to join in with the planting of a special tree to mark the 30th anniversary of the Inverness Botanic Gardens.
“Planting this tree, for both the local community and visitors to enjoy, is the perfect way to celebrate this important and vibrant green space in the city of Inverness.
“Of course, as well as commemorating this milestone anniversary, planting a tree is also a great reminder of the importance of trees in tackling climate change.”
Ewan added: “Three decades years ago, we planted a seed and watched it turn into a garden.
“With that in mind, we are so proud to be celebrating thirty years of growing at the Inverness Botanic Gardens, and to be welcoming in our current provost for Inverness and Area, cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair and other special guests to celebrate with us.
“The ‘Wollemi pine’ dates to the time of dinosaurs, and until 1994 was thought to be extinct. With its rediscovery closely aligning with the official opening of the Inverness Botanics Gardens, what better way to celebrate than by planting our very own?
“Wollemi pines are evergreen trees that live for an extremely long time – some of which are thought to be up to 1,000 years old.
“This prized, ornamental tree will make a very special addition not only for its beauty, but also as a symbol of hope and a prosperous future for the Inverness Botanic Gardens.”
To find out what else is happening at Inverness Botanic Gardens by visiting highlifehighland.com/inverness-botanic-gardens.
