Band member Andrew Stevenson grew up in Lochaber and knew about the ancient oak tree.

The piper said: “I am delighted that the Skipinnish Oak has won Tree of the Year.

“The tree has held a special place in my heart since my father first described it to me, and the first time I saw it many years ago.”

George Anderson, of Woodland Trust Scotland, said: “It is the tree that time forgot but the piper remembered.”

The oak is now a contender in the European Tree of the Year competition.