A conservation group has joined the battle to save a row of 150-year-old oak trees in Inverness from being chopped down to make way for a new road.
The Woodland Trust Scotland revealed yesterday that it had lodged an objection with Transport Scotland against any attempt to remove the 17 trees at Caulfield Road North.
It emerged last week that the trees could be threatened by plans to build a new single carriageway between Inshes and Smithton to link the A9 Perth road to the A96 Aberdeen route.
Cradlehall resident William Aitken highlighted the issue last week by putting up placards and red-and-white tape around the trees.
George Anderson, from the Woodland Trust Scotland, said yesterday: “Well done to Mr Aitken for taking a stand.
“Woodland Trust Scotland is right behind him in his campaign to save these trees. We have contacted Transport Scotland raising our concerns about these plans.”
In its objection letter, the group said: “These trees can clearly be seen on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map of Inverness in 1868.
“Therefore, we know these trees are at least 148 years old, likely even older. Generations of Invernessians will have worked and lived by these trees over the past 150 years.
“Their age and stature gives them enormous cultural and heritage value as an enduring part of the landscape. ”
It added: “Due to the irreplaceable loss of natural value that removing these trees will result in, as well as the clear contravention of both national and local planning policy, we do not believe that this development should go ahead.”
Transport Scotland is consulting on six designs for the road project, and it could require the removal of the trees as part of a widening of Caulfield Road North.
However, the Scottish Government agency insisted it was “too early” to know because further detailed design work would be carried out after a preferred option was selected, and it would be influenced by the consultation responses.
