Press release issued 6 June 2022
Members of Skye u3a have marked the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by planting trees in Armadale Castle Gardens. Fifteen members of the group came together on Sunday 5 June to take part in the tree planting ceremony. The event was a response to the Queen’s Green Canopy Initiative, which encourages groups and individuals across the UK to ‘plant a tree for the Jubilee’.
Accompanied by Armadale Castle staff they planted three young Abies forrestii, a species of conifer from Western China where its principal threat has been from logging. The trees are part of Armadale Castle’s Trees for the Future programme, a collaboration with the International Conifer Conservation Programme at The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
David Hammond, Chairman of Skye u3a said: “Our members wanted to honour Her Majesty during her special celebratory weekend, and when a tree planting was suggested, we contacted Armadale Castle gardens for help. Lisa Pook and her team made it possible for us to plant not one but three special rare trees. We are delighted to join the Nation to mark this special occasion by leaving a permanent legacy in Armadale’s magnificent gardens.”
Lisa Pook from Armadale Castle estates team added: “We were very pleased to welcome the u3a group to our Gardens over the Jubilee weekend. The focus of the Queen’s Green Canopy is on sustainability and future legacy so is a perfect fit with our Trees for the Future programme. We look forward to seeing the trees thrive and become part of our next generation arboretum at Armadale.”
Skye u3a organise talks, social events, and group outings right across the island for people no longer in full-time employment, who therefore have more leisure time. Its 65 members have a wide range of interests, and there is a varied and growing number of activity groups. New members are always welcome.
The Gardens at Armadale Castle are open to the public Wednesday – Sunday. The Museum of the Isles at Armadale Castle, which has been closed since the start of the season, will re-open to the public on Wednesday 15 June.