After four years of tree-planting, the “Cramond Commemorates” project culminated on Friday (20 March) with a celebration event for everyone who donated and dedicated a tree.
The project came about as the world emerged from the Covid19 pandemic when so much had been lost. It quickly developed into a commemoration, not only of experiences missed, but also of loved ones who died.
Some 58 trees were planted in four locations: Cramond Hall grounds, Cramond House parkland, Cramond Walled Garden and Cramond Primary School grounds.
All the plantings have been carefully recorded and mapped, and appear with their individual dedications on a website that showcases the project https://www.cramondcommemorates.com
Rev Ian Gilmour, who came up with the tree planting idea, said: “Dedicating a tree to someone whom you’ve loved and lost can be a means of having a tangible reminder of their presence and a focal point for remembrance.
“The Cramond Commemorates plantings represent a living heritage of people with a connection to the area or to Cramond Kirk.
“As well as enhancing the environment and the beauty of the area, these trees are symbols of renewal and a reassurance that life goes on.”
The first tree, a Sessile Oak, was planted in November 2021 by pupils from Cramond Primary and Cargilfield Schools. Other varieties include Beech, Maple, Silver Birch, Rowan and Sycamore, as well as a number of fruit trees.
John Naylor chose a James Grieve apple tree in memory of his wife Margery who died in 2022. He said: “Margery was a lover of trees and of Cramond. She was Secretary, then President, of the Cramond Association and a great supporter of the Woodland Group.
“What better way of celebrating and remembering her life well lived.”
Christine Roy dedicated a Wheelers Russet apple tree to her late husband, Jim. She said: “Jim loved his garden, trees and everything outdoors in nature.
“My sons and I thought it would be a lovely way to remember him. Somewhere that we and the grandchildren could go and see the tree grow over time in a woodland setting. We have planted bulbs around it, and had a little plaque made.”
Lending itself to an obvious choice of memorial tree, the song ‘O Rowan Tree’ was a favourite of Dorothy Spence’s grandmother, a member of Cramond Kirk from 1882 till 1958, now buried in the Kirkyard with her husband and two sons.
The event was attended by many of the tree donors and organisations involved in supporting the project: Cramond Association’s Woodland Group, Cramond Estate, local poet David Bleiman, Edinburgh Council’s Parks and Greenspaces.
Many of the Cramond Community became involved in clearing and preparing ground for tree plantings.
When new trees required watering in their early days, local schoolchildren, Cubs and Scouts saved the day by forming bucket chains to areas which hose-pipes could not reach!
