Fortingall Yew
Church of Scotland
In the geographical heart of Scotland stands the oldest living organism in Europe.
The Fortingall Yew (Taxus baccata) has been guesstimated at anything between 3000 and 9000 years old.
The tree sits in the corner of the churchyard of Fortingall village kirk and is surrounded by a wall and railings, which serve to protect it.
A major heritage tree of international important, what you see today are the relics and offspring of the original, which was recorded in 1769 as having a girth of 17 metres/ 65.5 ft.
Steeped in history and folklore, prior to the introduction of Christianity, yew trees were regarded as the ‘tree of eternity’. Often long-lived, they have a habit of starting to grow again as they reach their 500th year.
Little remains of the original tree. Natural deterioration and vandalism over many years has reduced this once vast specimen to two surviving fragments. The remaining live growth, however, is in a healthy condition and continues to thrive.
Visit any time of year.
Location
At Fortingall, 10 miles/ 16 km west of Aberfeldy. Well signposted from surrounding road network
Public transport & other facilities
Take the post bus from Aberfeldy.
On-street car parking within the village of Fortingall.
Facilities are available either at the local hotel or in nearby Aberfeldy.
