Jamie McGrigor, Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands & Islands, has welcomed the news that the Scots Pine is to be adopted as Scotland’s national tree. Jamie was speaking in the Scottish Parliament in a Member’s Debate on the subject.
Speaking in the debate this evening, Jamie said:
“…I am pleased to welcome the news that the Scots pine - Pinus sylvestris - is to be Scotland’s national tree. In previous centuries, this species was known as the Scots fir, but we all know it today as the Scots pine.
“As a McGrigor, I point out that the Scots pine tree is the plant badge of the clan Gregor and, when the wearing of tartan was outlawed after the 1745 Jacobite rebellion, Gregor clansmen wore their clan’s plant badge as an act of defiance and identification. However, it was perhaps done more to protest about the loss of their clan name, which had been taken away in the early 1600s not by a Westminster Parliament but by a Scottish one. The clan is still awaiting an apology for that.
“Like other members, I acknowledge the efforts of those in Scotland who have campaigned for us to have a national tree and I thank the Forestry Commission for carrying out the public consultation. As a Highlands and Islands MSP, I am delighted that the Scots pine has been chosen, as that iconic and instantly recognisable Scottish tree is a key part of the biodiversity of my region, which of course contains the vast majority of the remaining Caledonian forest, notably in Abernethy, Glen Affric and Rothiemurchus. That habitat sustains some of the most important plant, animal, and bird species, including wildcats, capercaillie, black game, and the Scottish crossbill.
“The huge, aged granny trees are especially important to capercaillie. Patricia Ferguson was absolutely right to stress the importance of the Scots pines, but the granny trees are particularly important to the capercaillie and for that reason they should never be cut down. The decline in capercaillie and black game in areas where they were once prolific must be a great cause of concern to Scottish Natural Heritage and the RSPB. As its species champion, I also highlight that the pine forests provide a home for the very rare narrow-headed ant.
“It is estimated that around 17000 hectares of Scots pine forest remains, compared with the 1.5 million hectares that existed 6000 years ago. My region hosts the oldest Scots pine ever scientifically dated in Scotland, in Glenloyne in Inverness-shire. In the late 1990s, scientists from the Forestry Commission’s forest research agency estimated it to be about 550 years old. However, Scots pines have been dated at over 700 years old in both Sweden and Norway.
“The motion refers to our “commitment to woodlands, biodiversity and reforestation”. I support all that.
"The harvesting and replanting of trees remains a very important industry in my region and sustains many jobs in rural communities, as do tourism and eco-tourism. There is concern in the Scottish timber industry about not enough trees being planted to ensure a sustainable timber industry in the future. I and others mentioned that at a recent meeting of the Rural Affairs, Climate Change, and Environment Committee.
"I am keen to see the planting of a diverse range of trees in Scotland, including our native species. Though huge plantations of Sitka spruce may be commercial, they are certainly not that bonny to look at or that good for wildlife, because their canopy does not allow enough light to penetrate and therefore they produce a denuded forest floor; whereas a grove of Scots pine makes a grand site and also has an accessible forest floor that is much richer in other plants and therefore a far superior habitat for wildlife of all sorts. We have only got to look at Loch Tulla and at the top of Loch Lomond to see how beautiful the Scots pine trees are.
“I conclude by expressing the hope that the decision to have a national tree and for that tree to be the Scots pine will increase awareness and understanding of Scotland’s trees and forests and the vital part that they play as part of our heritage, culture, economy and natural environment”.