Elgin's fallen 400-year-old walnut tree is replaced by members of Elgin Flower Club
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MEMBERS of Elgin Flower Club have planted a replacement to a famous 400-year-old tree that was blown down during a storm.
During Storm Arwen, in November 2021, the tree which – according to a 2013 Moray Council report – had stood since the early 1700s was taken down by high winds.
Although it is likely to have stood for 400 years, legend says it has been around even longer.
Local folklore even suggests the Wolf of Badenoch watched the flames capture Elgin Cathedral, which he burned down, from the tree back in 1390.
MORE: How old was Cooper Park's walnut tree?
Elgin Flower Club decided that the tree was well worth replacing and started the process of sourcing a walnut tree almost as soon as the old one fell.
"It's taken a long time to get here," Gill Garrow, the club's chairwoman, said.
"It was back in 2020 that we decided we would do something and then Storm Arwen came and took the walnut tree down so we decided to replace it.
"We thought it was sad that this really, really old tree wasn't there any more.
"Christie's of Fochabers sourced the tree and the council gave us the opportunity to plant it and kindly helped us on our way.
"We planted it just behind Grant Lodge, in a prominent position so that hopefully people will be able to enjoy it from summer onwards.
"We are hoping it's something that the tree will be there for a long time to come."
The tree was planted by the group on Tuesday, November 15. A granite plinth will be added to the base in January.
"We went along to Elgin Library for a coffee and a blether afterwards," Gill added.
"It was a horrible day in the morning but we got good weather and a good turnout.
"We are a friendly and welcoming bunch."
Elgin Flower Club was formed in 1975 and currently has 43 members. While the average flower club has seen their member count reduced by a third post-pandemic, Elgin Flower Club have retained their figure.
Gill, who has been involved since 1992, said new members would be made "most welcome".
The club meet on the second Tuesday of each month in the High Church Hall.
More information is available on the Elgin Flower Club Facebook page.
- An open demonstration is set to take place at Elgin Town Hall on Wednesday, November 23. Ex-Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist and designer of the year Tracy Griffin will put on a demo called 'snowflakes'.
