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Hello, my friends.
Today, I want to share a story that’s both heart-wrenching and hopeful – a tale of ancient trees, courageous humans, and the healing power of art.
There’s a magical island off Scotland’s west coast called Arran. It’s one of my most favourite places in the whole world. I love it not just because of its wild beauty but also for the cherished memories I have of spending time in the wilds there as a kid. On Arran, nestled within the valley of Glen Rosa, stands a gnarly old rowan tree affectionately known as the Guardian of the Glen. This tree has stood sentinel for generations, and I remember it from visits with my grandparents when I was a child. The foothills of Glen Rosa were the first place we ever stayed on Arran.
Just over a month ago, a devastating wildfire swept through Glen Rosa, starting on April 10th and burning for three days. The blaze destroyed approximately 27,000 trees, including many young saplings planted over the past decade. The fire wiped out ten years of conservation work in days. The fire also decimated local wildlife populations, with numerous reptiles and amphibians lost.
Amidst the devastation, two park rangers, Jo and John, displayed remarkable bravery. They stood by the Guardian of the Glen, beating back flames to save this ancient tree. In Scottish folklore, rowan trees are considered protective, but here two humans protected the rowan tree with their own bodies.
I was heartbroken when I learned about the wildfire. But the story of Jo and John protesting the Guardian was so touching I felt moved to create an illustration. In the artwork, the tree glows amidst a charred landscape, symbolising hope and renewal. In Celtic mythology rowan trees are considered the Tree of Life and I hope I have captured a little of this spirit here. I used my Dreamscapes palette for this painting, which seemed particularly apt considering the subject matter.
If this story touches your heart too, I invite you to support the reforestation of Glen Rosa. The National Trust for Scotland is leading efforts to restore the glen, planting native species like downy birch, sessile oak, hazel, willow, aspen, alder, and the rare Arran whitebeam .
Here’s how you can help:
To contribute, please visit the National Trust for Scotland’s Rescuing endemic Arran whitebeams and Arran aspens at Glen Rosa page. After donating, reach out to me at hello @ shelleyskail.co.uk with your confirmation, and I’ll send your chosen version of the artwork.
Reforesting Glen Rosa isn’t just about replacing trees; it’s about restoring a delicate ecosystem, protecting endangered species, and ensuring that future generations can experience the glen’s natural beauty. Your support helps turn a story of loss into one of hope and regeneration.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Together, we can honour the bravery of Jo and John, the resilience of the Guardian of the Glen, and the enduring spirit of nature.
With gratitude and hope,
Shelley 🌱
One Response
This is wonderful, Shelley. I just found out about the wildfire, that Glen is very special to me, so it definitelty hurts to see it burned. But let us trust nature under the guide of the Guardian of the Glen. Thank you for writing this post and making something so beautiful!