The Folklore Behind Scotland's Trees

Trees have played a significant role in the history of Scotland’s culture and heritage, but what is the story behind the folklore of trees in this bustling country? Culture Trip will explore the role trees play and the mystical stories involving one of Glasgow’s most famous saints, St Mungo. In addition to the trees, the woodlands also encompass an important part of the city’s historic landscape. The trees have been witness to a large number of significant events within the city’s history.

Scotland is home to a rich legacy of heritage trees and is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Destinations in the world. Each significant tree in Scotland comes with their own historical and cultural significance. Two of the most famous, the Birnam Oak and Sycamore, were said to be immortalised by William Shakespeare in his Macbeth play.

The Scots Pine tree is one such example whereby it was said that Druids used them to make winter solstice fires to draw back the sun. The resin and needles were burnt as incense to supposedly get rid of evil.

The smoke was used to cleanse spaces of negative energy. In addition, the Rowan tree had many associations with witches and magic, and in Scotland there was a strong taboo about cutting them down. The wood of a Rowan tree was thought to have protective properties, and the protective power was noted to come from the Rowan’s berries that grew on the tree. Therefore, cutting them down would destroy any protective properties the tree would have had.

Another mythical tree in Scotland is the Holly tree. This tree is said to be never cut down, as it was supposedly ‘bad luck’. In addition, it is said that the Duke of Argyll even avoided rerouting a road in order to avoid cutting down the numerous Holly trees that were there, and in particular the old Holly tree, which dated back to 1861. Scotland is thriving with trees but perhaps these stories will make you look at them in a new light.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.