Outcry as towns' Christmas trees come up short

Caroline Cochrane said the Selkirk tree was about half the size they had expected

A festive backlash has forced a Scottish council to remove and replace its community Christmas trees.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) had ordered a dozen 20ft (6m) fir trees to be placed in town centres across the region.

However, they came up short - with some estimated to measure a little over half of the ordered height.

During their installation over the weekend almost every community was outraged at their size and a number have now been replaced.

Kelso's small tree (seen in white van) was removed and replaced by a taller one

Kelso provost Gavin Horsburgh said: "We are used to having an impressive, large tree in our square at Christmas.

"We were taken aback with what was delivered – with us having such a large square the tree was completely lost."

Following a stream of complaints, replacement trees were installed in Hawick, Kelso and Melrose throughout Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mr Horsburgh added: "Hats off to SBC for realising their mistake and taking into consideration all of the complaints.

"The new tree is around twice the size of the original one and will make such a difference for this weekend's lights switch-on."

A number of towns said their trees had been significantly bigger in years gone by

Many other communities are also demanding replacements.

Selkirk councillor Caroline Cochrane said: "We usually have a beautiful large tree that is fitting for our town centre, but the one they have delivered is around half the size we expected.

"It's all everyone is talking about, and the people of Selkirk rightly believe they deserve better.

"We have asked for a replacement and if that is not forthcoming we already have an offer from a local forestry contractor to source and supply one."

Melrose has also had its tree upgraded to a larger size

It is understood community leaders in Jedburgh have asked for the council tree to be removed so they can install their own replacement.

SBC say that it was only when trees were being installed that the size issue was realised.

A spokesperson added: "This year's tree order was the same as previous years.

"Following installation our contractor was made aware of problems, which were apparently due to supplier issues.

"As a result they have replaced a number of those trees."

The dressing of the trees by the local authority is due to begin this week ahead of many switch-on celebrations.