9 Yarrow St Mary's Loch to Traquair Kist maker: Brunton Hunter Sculptor Design taken from: The Tree of Life Date: an ancient image adopted by the early Christian church. The stylised oak tree for this merk has been chosen as a symbol of the old Ettrick Forest. This royal hunting ground was established in the 11th century by the Norman barons who were given land in the area. For several hundred years thereafter Scottish kings came here to hunt deer and wild boar, frequently staying at Traquair House near the end of this stage of the walk. Although the 'forest' would probably have been significantly more wooded than the area is today, it would not necessarily have had heavy tree cover. The oak, however, is one species of tree that would have grown at places in the forest. A few hang on in the 'cleuchs' (steep-banked burns as they leave the hills), along with birch, ash, alder, hazel and rowan. The Wildwood Project aims to restore such a varied woodland in the whole of the Carrifran Valley, near Moffat.

Brunton Hunter 73 High Street INNERLEITHEN EH44 6HD 01896 830731

Brunton Hunter has recently returned to sculpture after a break of twenty five years during which the business of running a garage has taken priority. He is now using his skills and experience to produce interesting work in metal and is also experimenting with other natural and synthetic materials. These are what he has used for his kist, though its appearance is of ancient stone.