You may remember that in February 2009 an Argyll Douglas Fir was crowned tallest tree in the UK at 63.79 metres (or 209ft). This tree, the Stronardron Douglas Fir at Dunans Castle, is now being challenged by a Grand Fir at the woodland garden of the Ardkinglas Estate.
On April 1st at 11 am a local tree surgeon Iain Campbell of ICD Tree Services will be climbing the Ardkinglas contender, and its anticipated that sometime after midday the result will be known.
Iain Campbell Duncan said ‘This is an unusual job to be asked to do. I’m delighted to be involved and hope that the Ardkinglas tree breaks the record. I can’t wait to see the view from the top.’ Asked why Scotland is home to so many of the tallest trees in the country he said ’Scotland provides the ideal growing environment for these trees. The Ardkinglas Estate in particular is a sheltered spot and is generally mild and moist with excellent soil. The long hours of summer sunshine also make a significant difference’.
Iain and colleague Dougie will be sponsored for their attempt and will raise cash for two charities – Air Ambulance and Erskine (homes for retired ex servicemen and women).
Dougie Cameron said ‘We chose these charities as the Air Ambulance is hugely important to parts of rural Scotland like this. I wanted Erskine to benefit as my son saw action in the Army. He is fortunate not to have been hurt – many others haven’t been as lucky and Erskine does a wonderful job looking after service men and women with sometimes dreadful injuries’.
Jean Maskell, Ardkinglas Estate Manager said ‘I’m very proud of the range of plants and trees we have at Ardkinglas and I’m waiting with baited breath to see if the Grand Fir can regain the title of tallest tree in the country’.
Compare and Contrast
The Ardkinglas Grand Fir (below) was planted around 1876 as part of a delightful woodland garden. Ardkinglas boasts some other extraordinary trees, 6 of them classed as champions
The Stronardron Douglas Fir (below, and pictured with the Sparsholt team who measured it) was planted in 1848 by Archibald Fletcher of Dunans Castle in a stand of several trees, all of which top 170 metres.
There’s no doubt that both these trees are giants, nor that there is a significant marketing and tourism opportunity from having two tall trees within half-an-hour’s drive of each other on the Cowal Peninsula, but do you know of any other contenders in Argyll? Is there perhaps some hardly known giant lurking at the foot of your garden: let us know? Getting arborealists to climb them seems a great way to raise money and raise Argyll’s profile as the home of the tallest trees.
If you wish to sponsor the climbers you can donate at The Tree Shop, Clachan, Cairndow or send a cheque made payable to Ardkinglas Estate to The Estate Office, Cairndow, Argyll, PA26 8BG
Let’s hope it takes Iain Campbell more than an hour to climb the Ardinglas Grand Fir.
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