Traquair Yews, Traquair, Innerleithen

• Species: Yew (Taxus baccata)
• Height: 8-9 m (there are four trees)
• Diameter: various
• Age: 400 + years
• Grid Ref: NT 332 335

Info

Growing in twisted and intricate forms, the trunks of these four yews appear to stand in the four corners of a square. Whether this arrangement has happened by chance or was intentional is not known. Yews are known to have a rich history of folklore going back as far as the times of the Druids. Estimated at 400 years old or more, it's thought that the yews may be remnants from the Ettrick Forest which used to surround the house in Medieval times.

Access

From Innerleithen follow the signs to Traquair House. The yews are growing in the area of woodland in front of the maze. Although the house is closed over the winter the gardens are open all year. Admission charges for the gardens, which cover nearly 100 acres, are £2.50 for adults and £1.25 for children. For more details on Traquair, including the rich history of Traquair House which goes back as far as the year 950, visit http://www.traquair.co.uk/