Evening News 6 October 2011 

School agrees to move trees

Campaigners have managed to force one of the Capital's top schools to move a line of trees after fears they would block out one of Edinburgh's most-loved views. 

George Heriot's planted the 19 cherry trees along the Ferry Road section of the Goldenacre playing fields. But local politicians said the trees would ruin four of the city's council- designated "key views" across to Arthur's Seat, Salisbury Crags, the Pentland Hills and St Mary's spires once fully grown.

George Heriot's bowed to pressure and agreed to relocate the 200 metres of trees.

From STV.com

Threat to Edinburgh Castle views are felled

George Heriot's school has agreed to uproot 19 trees at their Goldenacre sports grounds.

By Clare Carswell 06 October 2011 06:30 BST

A prestigious Edinburgh school has agreed to rip out newly planted trees that were a gift to celebrate their 350th anniversary after fears they would bscure one of the best views of the city.

Local residents united with politicians to urge George Heriot's school to remove the 19 cherry trees planted inside the northern boundary wall of their sports grounds at Ferry Road after an initial request from the local Community Council was unsuccessful.

According to a spokesperson from Trinity Community Council the school was originally asked to reconsider and move the trees elsewhere - but in response, representatives from the school suggested they were only prepared to remove one or two of the trees and wait four or five years to monitor how they grew.

The trees had the potential to grow above the boundary wall and infringe on the popular view of the capital’s skyline which is admired daily by hundreds, if not thousands, of visitors on city bus tours.

On Wednesday the school announced a complete U-turn on the issue and confirmed that all of the trees would be uprooted.

Alistair Hector, Headmaster of George Heriot School, said, "The saplings were a donation facilitated by the Global Trees Campaign and the planting took place during session 2009-2010 as part of the events to mark the 350th anniversary of the opening of Heriots".

"The trees were intended to be an enhancement to the grounds and an improvement in keeping with Heriot's commitment to promote the environment, which has been recognised by the award twice of the Eco-schools Green Flag. However, we do not wish this issue to cause conflict with our neighbours. We have listened to their views and we will seek to find a suitable alternative location for these trees, with a view to honouring both the original intention of the tree planting and good neighbourly relations."

Councillor Allan Jackson for the Forth Ward supported the residents in their mission to protect the skyline view. He said: "There has been an amicable agreement that the trees in question are to be re-sited in an appropriate area which will not spoil the view of the city from Ferry Road. This is an iconic cityscape and I am absolutely delighted at the outcome. Not only the local community but, people across the city and beyond will be pleased and relieved at today's decision. Heriot's have respected the views being expressed and I am grateful to them for this wise and sensible decision".

In response to the news a spokesperson for Trinity Community Council said: “We are delighted by the news that all of the line of trees will be removed. Heriot's should be commended for putting matters right in response to other people’s concerns."

He added: “It is understandable that Heriot's were reluctant to disturb trees planted to celebrate their 350th anniversary. But there really was no alternative but to remove them. We hope these trees can now be relocated in a more suitable place”.

In the 2005 Edinburgh Skyline Study four key views were identified from Ferry Road looking over Goldenacre towards Arthur’s Seat, Salisbury Crags, Pentland Hills and St Mary’s spires respectively.

Victoria Park

This year, for the first time, Victoria Park has won the “Green Flag” award for parks and open spaces. There will be a new pole to show off the flag. More importantly, there should be better management of the park and greater community involvement to retain Green Flag status. The Victoria Park Sub Group of Trinity Community Council will be meeting after the summer break. Because of procurement difficulties, the replacement of equipment in the main play area has been delayed.

Trinity Park/Gardens site

Work has started on filling the hole in the ground. The movement of lorries to and from the site has caused less disruption of traffic in South Trinity Road than had been feared. There is no further news yet of the terms of the legal agreement required between the Council and the developer on important planning conditions including trees and access to the walkway.

Application for Mobile Phone Mast in Clark Road

O2 and Vodaphone have made a second application to erect a mobile phone mast – timber effect rather than grey as previously proposed – at the entrance to the walkway in Clark Road. TCC has submitted an objection to the new proposal on the basis that nothing material has changed since refusal of the earlier application, that there is an alternative site already available and in use, and that the new mast would impact adversely on the area. The application is expected to go to the Planning Committee later in August.

Severe weather information

Information and updates are available on the Council website at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/718/emergency_planning_and_information

Government advice on clearing Paths and Driveways