Great Yew of Ormiston, Scotland
Iconic / Famous Ancient Tree
This unique tree is a wonderful example of a layering tree, as it has ten major branches, some of them supported by props, and all subdivided. At around five metres from the bole, the branches reach the ground and sprout new growth.
An 1824 poem by James Miller, more notes and photos of the Ormiston Yew can be found on the Ancient Yew Group website.
Further Reading and Useful Links
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terry mills says:
Posted June 23, 2025 at 3:40 pm
Would there be evidence of Druids worshipping under this mighty being, I walked these lands as a boy, at that time there did exist a prayer stane at the time, 1950s
David says:
Posted August 06, 2020 at 8:13 pm
A song written by Brian McNeil says so – might be the source of a myth.
Stephen Carlson says:
Posted February 12, 2020 at 11:08 pm
Is there substance to the thought that John Knox preached beneath this tree?
Terry Greenaway says:
Posted October 04, 2020 at 1:59 am
John Knox was a bodyguard for martyr George Wishart, who preached his last sermon under the tree around Christmas 1545.