Tree Trail

33. Pinus sylvestris

The Scots pine is the national tree of Scotland and is native to Eurasia. It has distinctive blue/green leaves and orange/red bark which gives it a striking appearance against a clear blue sky. The tallest recorded specimen is over 46 metres (152 feet) tall. This one stands at around 20 metres (65-70 feet) high. The oldest recorded tree was 760 years old. The Scots pine helped make up the Caledonian forest of which there is only just over 1% remaining. The Scots Pine was known as the King of the forest with the Silver Birch being known as the Queen. The wood is used for pulp and timber products. Rosin and turpentine are also made from Scots pine.