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Veteran trees facing the chop to make way for new Inverness primary school saved


By Neil MacPhail

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The veteran oak tree was facing the chop as part of plans for a new primary school. Picture: James MacKenzie
The veteran oak tree was facing the chop as part of plans for a new primary school. Picture: James MacKenzie

Highland Council has revised its plans after protests and a sessile oak and a large Scots pine have been reprieved as part of work on the new Ness Castle school.

But a second under-threat veteran Scots pine has root rot and will be felled – along with around 70 other trees, mostly birch and beech – despite an objection from the council’s own forestry team.

The campaign included Dr Kay Kelly who, as highlighted in the Courier last Tuesday, promised to camp under the oak to prevent it making way for a games pitch.

Dr Kelly (51) who with husband Des has an orchard at Torbreck, said: “I am really delighted. We have had such a strong response.”

Another campaigner, mother-of-four Catherine MacInnes (35) of Torbreck, said: “The council consultations are not always well advertised, but because of the importance of green space to the children I felt we had to do something even at a late stage.

“Two of the old trees have been saved, but in general I am concerned at the amount of housing and other development going on, especially around Inverness. I know we need infrastructure and development, but a lot of mature trees are being lost.

“We are fortunate with the environment we have around the city, but we need to protect it.”

Conservation charity Woodland Trust Scotland (WTS) also objected. Spokesman George Anderson said: “Within a day of our objection the council changed their plans so the oak is saved, and the games pitch is going ahead. We commend the council for its responsiveness.

“We believe others also have spoken up on behalf of the tree, including from within the council. Youngsters need sports facilities but they also need trees.”

A council spokeswoman said changes to its plans would be subject to a review.


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