The lone tree over Loch a Mhuillidh in Glen Strathfarrar, Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Commentary.
Is that isolated Scots Pine calling to his mates on the small island in Loch a´ Mhuillidh? - “Stay, don’t leave me.”
Once, the lower slopes were smothered by this noble, native tree.
Then climate-change, deer, sheep and mankind cleared that immense Caledonian Forest.
Only individuals and small island-clumps,
as here, and on the islands in Loch Morar and Loch Maree
testify to the true Highland flora and fauna.
Alas, the comparatively dull, regimented, pines and spruce dominate for purely commercial reasons.
Yet, where the Scottish icon remains, it gives the landscape
a dignity, a presence, a charisma, a superb tone and texture that bare hills cannot sustain.
I yearn for the day that this tree, once again, skirts this glorious, mountainous, water-filled land.
Not a mere tree, an archetypal symbol of Scotland.
The lone tree over Loch a Mhuillidh in Glen Strathfarrar, Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Commentary.
Is that isolated Scots Pine calling to his mates on the small island in Loch a´ Mhuillidh? - “Stay, don’t leave me.”
Once, the lower slopes were smothered by this noble, native tree.
Then climate-change, deer, sheep and mankind cleared that immense Caledonian Forest.
Only individuals and small island-clumps,
as here, and on the islands in Loch Morar and Loch Maree
testify to the true Highland flora and fauna.
Alas, the comparatively dull, regimented, pines and spruce dominate for purely commercial reasons.
Yet, where the Scottish icon remains, it gives the landscape
a dignity, a presence, a charisma, a superb tone and texture that bare hills cannot sustain.
I yearn for the day that this tree, once again, skirts this glorious, mountainous, water-filled land.
Not a mere tree, an archetypal symbol of Scotland.