9th June 2003

by Counsellor Duncan Allan

The Dornoch tree programme is now in its third year, partly funded by the Common Good Fund. Every tree of any consequence within the Royal Burgh was identified, tagged and recorded. During the course of this unique survey within the Highland council area, dangerous trees were identified for felling, overgrown trees were marked for lopping, pruning or crown-lifting, and private house-owners were helped with any tree problems. 'Tree Huggers' and 'Tree Haters' often live side by side, so it required diplomacy. Dornoch has many beautiful trees but their management had been neglected

This Autumn, the much easier and more enjoyable new tree planting programme is to be undertaken. However, one problem remained: the two elm trees in the courtyard of the Castle Hotel - the two biggest trees in Dornoch, estimated to be 130 years old - were hollow in the centre. They had to come down. The contractor was well prepared, with an enormous crane to hold the trunks and branches as he cut them with a chainsaw whilst standing on a platform held by a hydraulic arm, known in the trade as a 'cherry-picker.'

The charm of Dornoch is enhanced by its beautiful trees and we must ensure that future generations are as fortunate as we. Still, it was very sad to see these two magnificent elms being cut down - they were a landmark.