Historic Darnley Sycamore 'will be with us for decades to come' following inspection
Glasgow City Council has said it is hopeful the historic Darnley Sycamore 'will be with us for decades to come'.
It comes after Storm Éowyn left the ancient Glaswegian badly stricken and missing major branches after winds of up to 90mph hit the city on Friday, January 24. Locals had feared for the future of the nearly 500-year-old sycamore after graphic images showed the aftermath of the damage.
We previously reported how historians had been hopeful the tree could be saved, but were left holding their breath for an official inspection by the council's tree doctors. The authority has now said the tree is in 'better health than expected'.
READ MORE: Cheapest time to book flights to France, Spain and other popular holiday destinations
READ MORE: BBC's Sally Magnusson to leave Reporting Scotland after 27 years on air
Officials added that with careful management over the next four years the tree should be with us for 'decades to come'. They also confirmed hardwood cuttings had been taken by a member of the Botanics team who will attempt to create clones in the hope of growing new young whips (saplings) for planting.
It is understood restorative care will start soon.
According to legend, Henry Stewart (Lord Darnley) and his cousin Mary Queen of Scots sat under the tree while she nursed him back to health following an illness. The pair stayed at Crookston Castle, his family seat, before marrying on July 29, 1565, when she was aged 23.
A spokesperson for the council said: "The Darnley Sycamore has been inspected by our tree specialist following last week’s devastating storm damage. The tree is in better health than expected. With careful management over the next 3-4 years we are hopeful it will be with us for decades to come
"Hardwood cuttings have been taken from the tree by a member of our Botanics team. These will be propagated to create clones with the hope of growing young whips for replanting Work to remove broken branches and the long process of restorative care will start soon."
Sign up to our daily Glasgow Live newsletter here to receive news and features direct to your inbox
Join Glasgow Live's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.