Street's historic trees wrecked by recent storms

A stump is all that remains of the first tree in Lochardil Road that was toppled by recent storms

Storms have blown down two trees that are thought to have stood in Inverness for about 130 years.

The limes in Lochardil Road - known locally as "the street with the trees" - are believed to have formed an avenue along a driveway to Lochardil House, a former private residence that was later turned into a hotel.

One of the trees was brought down by high winds over the summer, and the second during last week's Storm Amy.

Eighteen of Lochardil Road's limes survive.

Resident Anna Miller said it was sad that storms had changed the appearance of the street.

"We really enjoy the unique character the trees bring to our street," she said.

"It's a real shame that two of the 100 plus year old trees were lost in the recent storms."

She added: "They're a beautiful feature and people often comment on them. But of course, they do come with a risk due to their size and age".

The second tree was lost during Storm Amy

Highland Council said the trees were thought to be about 130 years old and have been protected by a preservation order since 2009.

Responsibility for the trees lies with the street's residents.

A council spokesperson said anyone who had information of dangerous trees on local authority land could email [e-mail] to provide information, including photographs and locations.

Lochardil House was built in 1876 for Sir Charles Fraser-Mackintosh, a solicitor who became a town councillor and later MP.

He helped to lead work to develop Inverness's Union Street, and also the city's Drummond and Ballifeary areas.

He retired from politics in 1892 and died in Bournemouth in 1901.

His extensive collection of books on the history and culture of the Highlands was donated to Inverness Public Library in the 1920s.