Living history: the Craigends Yew
by Michael R E Hopcroft
The "Craigends Yew", which sits on the banks of the River Gryffe, is the largest Yew tree in Scotland. The massive specimen is thought to be over 600 years - dating it to the 1400s, the days when the Cuninghame family were first granted the Craigends estate.
For hundreds of years the Craigends Yew was an ornamental feature of the gardens of Craigends House, and was maintained and enjoyed by the Cuninghame family who resided there. But after Craigends House became derelict in the 1960s the Yew was discovered by hundreds of locals as they explored the estate grounds.
The magnificence of the tree - like a great cathedral - made an impression on all who saw it. Grove. Magic space - fairytale - playground for children. "bendy tree". Remembered. Iconic.
In the decades following, however, the Craigends Yew suffered from severe decay - as if it's fortunes were somehow linked to Craigends House and the old estate - and much of it's striking character has now been lost. The large branches which once arched high in to the sky to create the grove atmosphere have now mostly collapsed. The grove has become a dark, claustrophobic environment.
