Isle of Mull

An exhibition by Simon and Aonghas at An Tobar Gallery in the Isle of Mull during the summer of 2005 provided helpful clues as to how the Tree Alphabet may be developed in and for a community.

Taking part were a number of organisations and people interested in trees, including a ranger from the Forestry Commission and a host of related workshops throughout the island.

The Tree Festival had six key venues:

1. An Tobar

The Tobermory Arts Centre for the islands of Mull and Iona offers a year round programme of cultural events. Showing in Gallery I is the exhibition The Tree Alphabet of the Celts with images and poetry by Simon Fraser and Aonghas MacNeacail. During June and July Aonghas MacNeacail will be Writer in Residence.

2. Calgary Art In Nature

CAIN – a sculpture trail created in a mature woodland with views of Calgary Sands and the ocean beyond. Set up by a group of local individuals in 1999. The aim of the group was to site pieces of sculpture within the beech woodland at Calgary Bay that would promote a general awareness of art in nature.

3. Isle of Ulva

Ulva is a privately owned island with a thriving population of approximately 26 people involved in traditional sheep and cattle farming, fish farming, oyster farming and tourism. There is a Heritage Centre, a restored Croft Cottage, delicious baking and seafood at The Boat House, walks, bird watching, unspoilt scenery and peace and quiet. The proprietors (the Howard family) are dedicated to creating a balance between the needs of the community and the preservation of one of Scotland’s most unique, beautiful and accessible islands. Just one minute ferry trip from Mull, Ulva has many native woodland species including beech, oak, ash, larch, Scots pine, sycamore, silver birch and rowan.

4. The Mull and Iona Ranger Service

is run and managed by Mull and Iona Community Trust and Forestry Commission Scotland, and supported by Scottish Natural Heritage. It was established in 1999. Its remit is access, environmental education, management and provision of safe outdoor recreational facilities. It provides a point of contact for information on all countryside matters related to Mull and Iona.
The purpose of Forestry Commission Scotland is to increase the economic, social and environmental benefits of Scotland’s woodlands. We believe that forestry has a major role to play in creating more opportunities for people to enjoy and learn more about our national trees, woods and forests.

example of one of the
eight foot banners

5. Torosay Castle

Torosay Castle Gardens has a splendid woodland with many notable trees. Exotic or non-native species vary from the Chinese Dogwood to Eucalyptus, Eucryphias, large Sequoais, Western Red Cedars and Silver Firs. There are twenty-one endangered species and thirty other kinds of conifers that have been planted as part of the conifer conservation programme. Present also are fine examples of native trees including yew, holly, wych elm, oak, ash and Scots pine. Even the normally undistinguished alder thrives to the extent of producing some very memorable specimens of great size.

6. Ross of Mull Historical Centre

The Centre is situated just outside Bunessan. It has evolved from the grass roots interest of local people in their own past and its relation to their present identity. The Ross of Mull contains the remains of a large number of cleared crofting townships with several walking trails exploring the area. The Centre manages access and interpretation projects and maintains historical records for public reference. Guidebooks for each walk are available to buy from local shops and the Centre.

7. Highland Renewal

This Scottish charity, which was created to manage an estate on the southwest corner of Mull called Tireragan. This estate is an area of great conservation importance for its woodlands, heaths and bogs. The land is managed as a community resource for education, interpretation, enjoyment and research. There is an ancient oak at Tireragan which is several hundred years old and rises not much more than twenty feet high but its limbs stretch more than fifty feet wide.