Years ago I travelled to the Outer Hebrides to visit a friend and later to work on a children's mission. The latter included a memorable winter sea crossing and a stay in a caravan that only just maintained its connection to the land by means of several large chains as the gales howled around us!
Obviously the Outer Hebrides were no place for trees. And there were none. The odd shrub leaned from constant wind attack, most of its branches leafless. A few hedges well placed in shelter behind walls offered slim vertical greenness. Otherwise it is all grass and stone walls (and some of the stone walls have scarcely survived).
Yet in Stornoway, in the extensive castle grounds, there are not only trees but a veritable forest. You could as easily be on a Kent hillside as on an Outer Hebridean bay. The combination that achieved this is quite simple:
a) It was deliberately planted;
b) The trees are close together for protection;
c) It is looked after.
The existence of a body of people following a man who lived, died and lived again two thousand years ago is unlikely in the 21st century climate.
But the church is
a) Deliberately planted;
b) Together for protection and prospering;
c) Always looked after.
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