Apple tree owners called to make their mark on Highland map
Apple tree and orchard owners in the Highlands are being invited to support a new biodiversity event in the Highlands organised by The Highland Council.
In advance of “Apple Day” - which will be hosted for the first time in Inverness by the Council’s Floral Hall visitor centre - on Saturday 22 October - a map of apple trees in the Highlands is being collated by Jonathan Willet, Highland Council’s Biodiversity Officer.
Apple Day was established in 1990 by the charity “Common Ground” as an annual celebration of apples, orchards and local distinctiveness. Now in its 21st year it is celebrated by local by people organising hundreds of local events internationally including an event in New York.
Jonathan Willet said: “Apple Day at the Floral Hall promises to be fun for all of the family. There will be an apple expert on hand to identify apple varieties, apple recipes to browse and apple trees for sale and there will be apple-themed activities to entertain all of the family.”
He added: “Inverness and the surrounding area used to have many commercial orchards and market gardens until the 1950’s. Many local estates also had orchards too. We are keen to create an apple map to locate where old orchards used to be and if the trees are still there.”
Jonathan also appealed to apple lovers for help in locating a long lost Highland apple species: “The most northerly apple variety in Scotland is the Coul Blush. It was raised at Coul House in Contin by Sir George Mackenzie in 1827. This apple is a sweet dessert apple with a yellow skin. Are there any of these apples still found in the Highlands? We would like to know.”
The Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers and Biodiversity Officer’s will host the Apple Day at the Floral Hall from 1 to 4pm on Saturday the 22nd of October. Visiting apple expert Andrew Lear from a nursery in Bankfoot will be on hand with advice, growing tips and apple identification. This event is free.
For more details about the event or to send in the location of an orchard or apple tree for the Apple Map contact Jonathan Willet at jonathan.willet@highland.gov.uk or 01463 702274.