Rowans

I hadn't realised until yesterday how many rowan trees there are around the parliament.

In Gaelic the old name for the tree is "luis" and stands for the letter L in the Gaelic "Tree Alphabet". The modern name is "caorann" , which is also a name you can see on many houses and cottages throughout Scotland. Planting Rowans near houses was meant to ward off bad influences and witches and indeed throughout Scotland - and wherever it grows further afield - it is associated with the supernatural and with good and bad luck.

Hopefully in this spot it is pumping out good vibes as it sits right by the main Canongate entrance to the Parliament and with the corridor leading to the Parliament Chamber - used by most members - right behind it.