Fortingall Yew
Fortingall Churchyard, Fortingall, PH15 2NQ
The Fortingall Yew is a remarkable ancient yew tree in the churchyard of the tiny village of Fortingall, at the entrance to Glen Lyon. Estimated to be between 3,000 and 5,000 years old, it is one of the oldest living organisms in Europe. The tree is protected by a low wall, and the churchyard and village are well worth exploring in their own right.
Standing in the quiet churchyard at Fortingall, it’s humbling to think this gnarled yew was already ancient when the Romans arrived in Scotland. The tree has split and fragmented over the millennia but remains very much alive. Combine a visit with a stroll around the picturesque thatched cottages of Fortingall village and perhaps lunch at the nearby Fortingall Hotel.