Fortingal Yew tree

This is the oldest tree in europe. Between 3000 and 9000 years old. Difficult to get a good photo of the trunk as it is now protected behind a wall to stop vandalism and theft. It was used in religious ceremony for many years. Up until the 20th century dead bodies were passed through its arch as a way of guiding the righteous spirit into the Christian afterlife. Pieces of the bark used to be removed and turned into quaichs ( drinking cup) to drink from at celebrations.