An old tree that laid the foundations for Carnoustie is to be safeguarded for future generations.
It was recently noticed that the tree may be at risk but has never been protected by any conservation order, and Angus councillors have now approved one.
Carnoustie’s “dibble tree” took root in 1797 when shipwright and salmon fisher Thomas Lowson left his dibble or planting stick in the ground. Thomas Lowson, then known as Tammas Lousen, put his wandering days behind him and decided to settle down as the crack willow Salix fragilis began to grow.
He built a house and, as others came to join him, the tree became a symbol of their newly-founded town.
