The Grand Fir in Diana's Grove

When it was measured for the Tree Register in February 2009, this grand fir stood 62.70 metres tall, which made it the second tallest tree in the United Kingdom at the time. The ranking belongs to 2009, since taller trees have been measured since. A visitor in 2026 gave it as 63.5 metres. It shares a two-acre grove with other record holders. The same local tourism pages list the UK's tallest Japanese larch here at 44 metres and its tallest red fir at 39 metres. The grove is older than its trees. The 2nd Duke of Atholl laid out these gardens before 1740, and some of the first European larches in the country grew here, followed by North American firs. The 7th Duke brought in Japanese larch in 1884. Then the great storm of 1893 blew down many trees and destroyed the statue of Diana at the centre. The Duke replaced the statue and replanted, so most of what stands today is his. Nobody has dated this fir in particular. If you know when it went in, tell us. Paths radiate from Diana, one lined up with the castle's front door, and the Banvie Burn runs through, crossed by two 18th-century bridges towards the ruined St Bride's Kirk. The grove is in the Blair Castle grounds, which keep a season from April to October. Whether the grove itself needs a ticket is not clear, so check with Atholl Estates before you go.