Arran whitebeams complex fashion, which involved the common whitebeam ("Sorbus aria") giving rise to the tetraploid rock whitebeam ("Sorbus rupicola") which is still found on Holy Isle. This species is able to survive at higher altitudes and therefore occupies a less competitive niche with fewer tree species able to tolerate the harsher conditions. The rock whitebeam interbred with the rowan / mountain ash ("Sorbus aucuparia") to produce the hybrid, a fertile separate species the Scottish whitebeam ("Sorbus arranesis") which grows well in this zone of reduced competitive growth at higher altitudes. The bastard mountain ash ("Sorbus pseudofennica") arose from a further cross
Bethania, Mountain Ash built alongside. Thomas Llewellyn was minister from 1854 until 1888. He was succeeded by Owen Jones who remained until 1909. John Phillips was minister from 1911 until 1945 and Haydn Davies from 1950 until 1960. The chapel remains beautifully preserved and maintained. There were 20 members in 2004. Mountain Ash and District Choral Society hold their practices and rehearsals at the vestry. Bethania, Mountain Ash Bethania, Mountain Ash is an Independent chapel in Phillip Street, Mountain Ash, Glamorgan, Wales. Services at Bethania are conducted in the Welsh language. The church began in the form of a Sunday School built in