Trees at Inverness Crematorium removed "for safety reasons"
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Complaints about healthy trees being chopped down at Inverness crematorium have been refuted by Highland Council.
Mourners complained about five old trees and a hedge of leylandii getting the chop at the cemetery, but were told they have been removed for safety reasons.
Janet McColl (68) who was attending a funeral at the crematorium said it looked as thought the place was being cleared for development.
Mrs McColl from Inverness said: “I have been at a couple of funerals recently, but this week I was shocked to see so many trees were being taken away.
"It is changing the look of the whole area.”
Councillor Duncan MacPherson said changes at the cemetery could be very emotive for mourners.
He said: “I have been out to speak to staff and I am assured that the work that was happening was necessary due to health and safety.”
A spokesman for Highland Council said: “The safety of all users of the cemetery and the crematorium, including those arriving in vehicles and those walking around the site is our priority. Five diseased trees have been removed. Leylandii have been cut back for safety reasons.”
