A 250-YEAR-OLD copper beech tree in Kirkcaldy was chopped down yesterday after falling victim to a deadly fungus.

The decision to remove the tree in Raith Estate was taken after a large branch fell off and investigations revealed it was in a dangerous condition.

Fife Council feared more branches could fall off it at any time and said it had to go for public safety reasons. The copper beech stood in the middle of a grassy area known as the village green and was one of the trees which bordered the original driveway to Raith House on the old estate.

It will probably be replaced by three smaller copper beeches.

*Picture: Ian Cunningham manoeuvres himself into position to work on the diseased tree.