The Birnam Oak
Close to the village of Birnam, on the banks of the River Tay, are two trees of immense size, age and legend. The Birnam Oak and its neighbour the Birnam Sycamore are thought to be remnants of the great forest that once straddled the banks and hillsides of the Tay. This forest is celebrated in Shakespeare's Macbeth as the famous Birnam Wood.
" Macbeth shall never vanquish'd be until Great Birnam Wood
to high Dunsinane hill shall come against him"
The prophecy of Shakespeare's three witches DID come true, with the branches of trees from great Birnam Wood, nearly 1000 years ago, camouflaging the advancing army against Macbeth. It is believed that Shakespeare got inspiration for this section of `The Scottish Play` whilst on a visit to Perth, Birnam and Aberdeen in 1599 as one of a troupe of comedians. The visit was arranged after King James IV sent a request for entertainers to Elizabeth 1.
Both trees look medieval. The lower branches of the gnarled and ancient Birnam Oak rest wearily on crutches and the first 3 metres (10ft) of its trunk are hollow.
The Birnam Sycamore, alongside, is thought to be just about 300 years old and is a mere youngster in comparison to its ancient neighbour. The sycamore has particularly impressive buttress roots and both trees appear in the list of the one hundred Scottish Heritage Trees.
See these `granny trees` as part of the easy going Birnam Walk described in the excellent Dunkeld and Birnam Walks leaflet, available from Dunkeld Tourist Information Centre. See also www.perthshirebigtreecountry.co.uk
Contact
Dunkeld Tourist Information Centre
The Birnam Oak
Birnam
Dunkeld
Perthshire
PH8
Scotland
Tel: +44 (1350) 727688
Fax: +44 (1350) 728875
E-Mail: dunkeldtic@perthshire.co.uk
