Historians 'optimistic' ancient tree will survive

The tree was destroyed during the "once in a generation" Storm Éowyn

Glasgow historians say they are "optimistic" an ancient sycamore with links to Mary, Queen of Scots can be saved after it was badly damaged in Storm Éowyn.

The Darnley Sycamore in the south of Glasgow is estimated to be more than 400 years old and and has been described as "one of Scotland's most important heritage trees".

Large chunks of the sycamore were ripped off when winds reaching 97mph swept through the city on Friday.

David McDonald, chair of Friends of Crookston Castle, told the BBC: "The tree looks really bad with so many of its limbs having been torn off, but the trunk and the roots look intact and still look strong."

He said: "We have hope that the tree can be rescued if it gets the right care and attention."

The Darnley sycamore was a popular local landmark

The tree is estimated to be between 450-500 years old

The Darnley sycamore lies a few miles from Crookston Castle, which was once the family seat of Henry Stuart, the cousin and second husband to Mary, Queen of Scots.

According to legend, in 1565, Mary nursed Lord Darnley back to health beneath the sycamore, when he was suffering from an illness.

In June 1566, Mary and Darnley had their first and only son, James VI of Scotland, who later became James I of England, uniting the thrones of England and Scotland for the first time.

Darnley was murdered in mysterious circumstances the following year, with suspicion falling on the Earl of Bothwell, whom Mary went on to marry three months later.

The sycamore has long been an emblem for the local community.

The tree has became an iconic symbol for the Darnley area and is used as the emblem for the local primary school.

William Graham, the SNP councillor for Greater Pollok, described the damaged tree as a "sad loss" for local residents.

He said: "To pardon the pun, the tree is well rooted in the community

"It's a living link to Mary, Queen of Scots and to think that it could possibly vanish - it's unthinkable."

Saqib Ahmed, the Greater Pollok councillor for Scottish Labour, said that Glasgow City Council will do "everything possible" to "save and preserve" the tree.

Specialist council officers will perform an inspection later in the week.

The Woodland Trust, who have seen images of the damage, said that they "believe the tree could live on", although it may not look as impressive as it did before.

The community will also hold talks about what will happen to the fallen bits of tree.

Current suggestions include the branches being turned into benches for local parks or donated for use in community projects.

There are also plans for cuttings to be taken from the tree, which can be replanted elsewhere.

Mr McDonald said that, regardless of the result of the inspection, "there is a plan in place to ensure that the tree will live on in a different form".