A full investigation is to be carried out into the felling of a historic Fife tree, which caused outrage in the local community.
Residents in Markinch were angry when they found out that the mature beech tree in John Dixon Park, known locally as the King’s Tree, had been cut down, and demanded answers as to why it had been removed.
The tree has historical significance and was planted more than 80 years ago to mark King George V’s silver jubilee, but was taken down by Fife Council after inspections ascertained it was 70% dead and could pose a safety risk.
However, concerns about how the decision was reached have been raised by local individuals and groups, and the local authority is now to delve deeper into exactly what happened.
A motion presented to Glenrothes area committee this week by councillor Kay Morrison, seconded by Ian Sloan, found favour, and a further report on the matter is due to be prepared for a future committee meeting.
“In light of the shock occasioned by the felling of the King’s Tree in John Dixon Park, Markinch, we move that officers be instructed to bring a report to the next available meeting of this committee, detailing the full circumstances of the felling, outlining the communication/consultation procedures, including notice given, regarding the condition report and the decision to fell the tree, and any lessons learned from this experience,” the motion read.
An inspection of the tree’s health in January 2015 revealed the early signs of the wood decay funges laetiporus sulphureus – or chicken-of-the-woods – and officers used a resistograph to probe internal defects and growth rates.
That suggested the tree could be deemed unsafe within three years and that it should be cut down due to its proximity to the road and pavements.
