The Covenanters’ Oak stands just off the main avenue to historic Dalzell House, on the outskirts of Motherwell. It takes its name from the members of the Scottish Presbyterian movement which, in 1638, covenanted to defend their church from the influence of Charles I and his attempt to introduce the English Prayer Book. The Hamilton family, who held Dalzell Estate at the time, were sympathetic to the Covenanters’ cause and provided protection to its leaders. One such character was the Reverend John Lauder, who is said to have preached to 400 Covenanters under the boughs of the great oak, which provided a natural gathering point for clandestine religious meetings.

The huge English oak (Quercus robur) is thought to be an isolated survivor of an extensive deer park and hunting estate planted by King David I in the mid-12th century. It is unfortunately suffering from its age - a few years ago a large bough broke away and the remains of the tree have had to be propped up and supported with wire stays. Not bad though for 900 years old !