The oldest living thing in Europe?

[Paul Webster]

In his latest column, Ben Dolphin makes a pilgrimage to visit the Fortingall Yew - is it really the oldest living thing in Europe?

"The oldest living thing in Europe"

[Gythral]

Interesting to see a Scottish claim to the oldest living thing in Europe, seems that there are a number of these ancient Yews, mostly in Churchyards all around the UK.

[Sgurr]

Given that you probably have to cut it down to count the rings accurately, doubt if anyone is sure. They have records of oldest DEAD trees. The Fortingall Yew seems to consist of various offshoots with only a bit of the main trunk existing. Don't know if the oldest bits (centre) are still there, or if there is anything more substantial underground. geograph notes that the posts show its full extent.

[Dave Hewitt]

the oldest living thing in Europe?

Adam Watson, surely?

[Graeme D]

I always thought it was that salty old sea dog Caberfeidh!

[Caberfeidh]

I always thought it was that salty old sea dog Caberfeidh!

Aaaarrrrrr, I recall in me youth swingin' on the branches of the Fortingall Yew with a young Italian lad, went on to become a governor in Asia Minor, can't remember his name now, always washing his hands for some reason...

It is a remarkable place, the whole of Glen Lyon. Strange to think that the yew has been used for thousands of years, yew-wood being the best for long-bows. Right back to the stone age, if it really is 5,000 years old.

[CharlesT]

I always thought it was that salty old sea dog Caberfeidh!

I think you could be right - it appears that the Arch-Fiend keeps refusing Caberfeidh's spirit entry to his domain for fear of the resultant competition so he is continually re-incarnated to haunt these pages and frighten the horses.

[Have A Guid Yin]

ormiston.com/ormiston/yew.htm

The Ormiston Yew Tree is just up the road from me. Don't know exactly how old it is but it's a great place to go for a walk.

[Circles]

I've checked all my maps but can't find Ben Dolphin

[Caberfeidh]

I've checked all my maps but can't find Ben Dolphin

Often seen between Ben Nevis and Ben Mhor, Mull.