Beauly ancient elm tree to be celebrated with stories, food and art

Celebrations centred on the elm – believed to be the oldest in Europe – will take place during the autumn equinox.

The Wych Elm, at the entrance to the ruins of Beauly Priory, is more than 800 years old but in recent years has been ravaged by Dutch elm disease.

It is the last survivor of an avenue of elms and has less than five per cent living material but remains iconic.

The free celebration will take place on Saturday, featuring the first reading of a new story from Highland writer Mandy Haggith, as well as tree health experts Phil Baarda, of NatureScot, and Max Coleman of the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh.

The celebration, from 1-4pm, is organised by Circus Artspace and will also showcase stories created in response to the tree.

There will also be tree-inspired food and family art activities with Sadie Stoddart.

In recognition of the tree’s significance, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) – which manages the priory site – last year scanned the remaining section of the elm and turned it into a detailed 3-D model.

Although the team had previously laser-scanned buildings, this was the first time it had scanned a tree.

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