The head boy and head girl of Perth Academy say they are “absolutely devastated” after finding out an old Scots pine tree in the school’s grounds has been cut down.
Pupils left the school on Friday still in the hope that the 200-year-old landmark could be saved, but they will return this morning to see barely a trace of the much-loved tree.
Perth and Kinross Council went ahead with their decision to axe the tree at 9am on Sunday, with the bench which was placed underneath it to be moved to an as yet undecided location.
The local authority took the decision to destroy the tree and build an all-weather sports pitch at Perth Academy, despite a concerted campaign to retain the landmark.
This campaign had gained poignancy as it had been regarded as a memorial to Callum and Ethan Owen, who died in a crash that also claimed the life of their mother, Michelle.
Ewan Patterson and Rachael Eynon said they were “absolutely devastated” to hear the tree had been axed and described it as “a very sad day for Perth Academy”.
“Despite the tireless efforts of pupils and staff to save the tree, we will be met with the sight of a bare and vacant playing field when we return to school on Monday morning,” Ewan said.
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