An ancient tree made famous in Shakespeare's Macbeth is in danger of splitting in two, say conservationists.

The Birnam Oak and its neighbouring sycamore are thought to the sole surviving trees of the great forest celebrated in Shakespeare's Macbeth as the famous Birnam Wood.

Now conservationists are hoping to save the trees, which lie on the outskirts of the Perthshire village.

There are fears the oak could split in half from the strain on the hallow trunk, which can barely support the growing branches. The lower branches are already propped up on crutches.

Surveys were carried out on both trees and there was evidence that fires have been lit inside the already tired oak tree.

Members of the Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust are now calling the community together to see what can be done to save the bard's legacy in the area.

The prophecy of Shakespeare's three witches did come true, with the branches of trees from great Birnam Wood, nearly 1,000 years ago, camouflaging the advancing army against Macbeth.

It is believed Shakespeare got inspiration for this section of the Scottish Play during a visit to Perth, Birnam and Aberdeen in 1599 as one of a troupe of comedians.

A Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust spokesman said: "Some urgent tree surgery is required to remove dead branches, which is to be followed by a longer term plan to prevent further fires, reduce soil compaction, replace branch props and manage the on-going rot within the trunks.

"We are on the case working with Arboretum Internationale, the Forestry Commission and Murthly Estates to look at all the options and secure funds to do the work.

"We will also be organising a public meeting to gather views on the longer-term management of the trees."

Both trees appear in the list of the 100 Scottish Heritage Trees.

Download: The STV News app is Scotland's favourite and is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from Google Play. Download it today and continue to enjoy STV News wherever you are.