Sunkissed Scots

Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) is a tree that can grow up to 40 m tall. The lowland trees have rounded irregular crowns and large branches but the mountain trees tend to be narrower and more pointed. This line on the Delnies path to the west of Nairn have grown some twisted and fantastical shapes. The lean to the right is because the prevailing westerly winds which run down the Moray Firth can be a bit fierce. Nearly all Scots Pines have red bark at the top of the tree which picks up the morning sun and glows. The lower trunk is grey or brown. It is roughly furrowed and cracks into plates. The bark makes a great subject for close up photography.