King Charles III Coronation Tree planted in Elgin’s Biblical Gardens
Each county in the UK has been given a smart plaque to go alongside a special locally sourced tree to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III on 6 May 2023.
The Lieutenancy of Moray decided that the most appropriate place for such a tree is the Biblical Gardens near Elgin Cathedral, which by happy coincidence celebrates its 800th Anniversary this year. There it joins other fine trees, shrubs and flowers.
Moray’s special tree is a sapling grown from an acorn from a 750 year oak tree on the Darnaway Estate.
John Stuart, The Earl of Moray, explained: “The Darnaway oak was considered to be the oldest and largest oak tree in Scotland with a trunk diameter of 310cms. It was perhaps 750 years old and possibly much older. Very tragically the tree suddenly collapsed in May 2003, which was a great shock to everyone. Luckily, however, we had already cultivated a few acorns from the tree and are delighted to present the largest sapling to the Biblical Gardens to commemorate the Coronation.”
The sapling will be looked after by Nick Chambers, Lecturer in Horticulture at UHI Moray College, and his horticultural students. They have guardianship of the Biblical Gardens. Nick Chambers commented: “It is an honour to have the Biblical Gardens chosen as the site for such a special tree. In a garden that is so close to the hearts of many in Moray, this oak will stand proud alongside the many other fine trees we have here. The horticultural students, together with our dedicated volunteers are looking forward to caring for it as it grows.”
The Lord- Lieutenant, Major General Seymour Monro, who planted the sapling, said: “We have been fortunate to source a really excellent sapling with great history behind it and we have a superb plaque to commemorate the Coronation. I am grateful to John Moray for his generosity and to Ben Clinch, his Head Forester, for making all the arrangements.
“Councillor John Cowe, the Civic Leader, brought along the spade used by Her late Majesty The Queen when she planted a tree outside the Moray Council HQ during her visit to Moray in 1961. AJ Engineering of Forres provided the spike to secure the plaque. It is reassuring that Nick Chambers and his students will look after this sapling. I am sure that as it grows it will bring great pleasure to those who visit the Biblical Gardens.”