A communication breakdown was responsible for the anger that surrounded the chopping down of a historic Markinch tree, local councillors are to be told tomorrow.
A report is to be presented to members of the Glenrothes area committee detailing the events that led to the King’s Tree being felled in March.
Residents were outraged after staff from the local authority cut down the iconic beech, which had stood for over 80 years.
Planted in John Dixon Park by Markinch Girl Guides in 1935 to mark the jubilee of King George V, the tree had succumbed to so-called “Chicken-of-the-Woods” fungus, which had infected over 70% of the tree.
Concerns over its health had been raised by local councillor John Beare, and there were fears that the tree was no longer safe to stand.
However, many residents, as well as fellow ward councillors, were angered by what was considered to be an apparent lack of consultation on the felling plans, that did not allow any part of the tree to be preserved by the community.
A report prepared by Jim Leitch, the council’s team manger for parks in Glenrothes, states that the matter could have been handled better.
“Accordingly, the lessons learned for future are that, in relation to a significant tree felling like the King’s Tree, officers should notify all ward members of the proposal, and also notify all community bodies known to them, including the community council.
“Officers will also, through the media team, explore the possibility of a press release.”