The removal of a 200-year-old tree from the grounds of a Perth school would be “cultural vandalism”, according to the chairman of Perth Civic Trust.
Alexander Bremner has made a plea for a rethink of plans to remove the tree from the grounds of Perth Academy to make way for a sports pitch.
The council granted permission for the proposal but the final decision rests with its education and children’s services department.
The issue has stirred up considerable controversy, not only due to the age of the tree but the fact that it had become associated with a memorial bench for Callum Owen and his brother Ethan, who died in a road accident in 2009.
“I understand that the decision to grant permission for the construction of the sports pitch at Perth Academy does not necessarily mean the pitch will be built as currently approved,” said Mr Bremner, who appealed to the educational services to think again.
“To get a perspective on the age of the tree, it was growing when Nelson fought at Trafalgar, during the time of the Crimean War and the Great Reform Act of 1832.
“The point is that this tree has been in place for a long time. By equating the life of this tree with the historic record, it is possible to gauge just how long that tree has stood.
“I could mention many other events of historic importance which occurred during its life, but surely these events suffice to give an indication of its historical significance.
“To replace this tree is not an option, the replacement would have no credibility.
“Perth prides itself on being a historic city for 800 years. The tree has stood in its present position for a quarter of that time. Apart from St John’s Kirk, what else is left standing of the history of old Perth?
“The Kinnoull house was demolished in the 60s and many other sites have been corrupted. Many of the series of plaques which indicated sites of interest have been removed, not maintained, or else painted over so they are no longer legible.
“These actions detract from the historic experience of Perth. Certainly, a number of new information boards have been created but I would argue a greater number have been lost.
“Given that Perth has so few sites of genuine historic interest left, I would like to think that the educational services, of all departments within the council, would take note of one of the few which remains.
“The removal of this tree in another place would be called cultural vandalism; in Perth, it is called progress. This tree can never be replaced.
“To dedicate the sports field to Callum and Ethan Owen is a gracious gesture but to do so should not necessitate the removal of the tree, which is their current memorial.
“I trust that, even at this late hour, the council will reconsider its decision.
“I cannot believe that it is not possible to find an alternative design acceptable to all parties and leave an iconic tree to give pleasure to future generations of school pupils for at least the next 100 years.”