oak

The iconic Oak has been vitally important for the development of the British Navy, which secured the position of Britain on the worlds stage.
“Empires rise and fall depending on their abundance or dearth of the ‘Sovereign Hardwood’” – quote from Heart of Oak, by Rodger Fisher 1763.

Oak barrels are commonly used for ageing wines and spirits like Brandy and Scotch whisky, as the oak contributes to the colour, taste and aroma of the contents.

Bark from Oak was very well valued by the leather tanning industry for its high tannin content. During the Industrial Revolution, large amounts were sent from the woodlands in the West of Scotland to the tanneries in Glasgow.