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Sat 3 May
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Doors Open 13:30
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Sat 3 May
You Choose | Auditorium
14:00 - 15:00
Doors Open 13:30
While there are many well-known trees across Perthshire, these three have local connections through history, supporting populations of wildlife.
The Mother or Parent Larch by Dunkeld Cathedral stands as a reminder of the more than 14 million trees that were planted by successive Dukes of Atholl for more than a century. Planted over hilly ground that had been washed by rain and were useless for farming, the trees stabilised the ground and provided habitat for wildlife, which sthill thrives today.
The tree canopy provides a light shade on a forest floor which is suitable for deer and capercaillie. Larch seeds are eaten by red squirrels and several species of bird including the siskin, treecreeper, and redwing. Black grouse are fond of young cones and buds, and many species of moths hatch their larvae on the nutritious leaves. The sparrowhawk and the goshawk both favour the larch for nest building.
The large-scale plantings on the hillsides around Dunkeld were instrumental in transforming the Perthshire landscape during the 18th and 19th centuries. The tress were harvested for the rot-proof qualities, making them highly suitable for marine uses.
* Notes compiled from relable sources such as VisitScotland.
Recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the highest hedge in the world, the Meikleour Beech Hedge was planted in 1745 and is one third of a mile long (530 m) and 100 ft (30 m) high.
It is thought the men who planted it were called to fight in the Jacobite Rebellion and none of them returned alive. In tribute, the trees were allowed to grow and the hedge acts as a living landmark to them.
In spring, the young green leaves reflect the light, while in the autumn the trees display beautiful russet and gold colours.
The hedge is cut and re-measured every 10 years, a complex operation that takes four men approximately six weeks to complete.
* Notes compiled from relable sources such as VisitScotland.
While it almost certainly was not standing at the time the real Macbeth ruled in the 11th century, the girth of the tree at more than 7m (about 24 feet) suggests an age of around 600 years old. That would mean it was already a mature tree at the time of Shakespeare's presumed visit to Perthshire in 1589, when it is believed Shakespeare was one of a troupe of English strolling players visited Perth, Aberdeen and Birnam at the invitation of James VI of Scotland.
James had written to Elizabeth I of England asking for entertainers, and it is plausible that Shakespeare was among them. If so, that would explain how Shakespeare got the idea for his play, perhaps listening to local tales and embellishing them in his own way.
On a riverside path on the south bank of the River Tay at Birnam, reached by a footpath from Dunkeld Bridge or off Oak Avenue in Birnam village.
* Notes compiled from relable sources such as VisitScotland.
Box Office
Open periodically throughout the week | Book online 24/7
Cafe
Daily | 10 - 4
Welcome to Birnam Arts, a boutique multi-purpose arts, conferencing and entertainment venue.
Pop in to the Foyer Cafe for breakfast, grab a delicious coffee with a selection of our homemade baking or enjoy a light lunch whilst browsing on the free WiFi. Wander upstairs to view the latest of our monthly art exhibitions before visiting the world of Beatrix Potter, or the Gift Shop to purchase a special gift for your loved ones or yourself!
We really enjoy visiting the Arts Centre when we are walking in the Birnam area, and our family loved the Puppet show at Christmas.
Anne Stuart | Crowdfunder #savebirnamarts 2020
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Kinnaird
Cafe
Beatrix Potter
Shop
Gallery
Studio
