Jedburgh’s wonky Christmas tree to be replaced next week

Residents in Jedburgh could have been forgiven for thinking Christmas was cancelled this year, as the town’s tree was chopped down almost as soon as it was planted.

Eye-witnesses say the tree was “pretty wonky” and council workers cut it down and took it away.

Council workers clear up after cutting down Jedburgh's Christmas tree after eyewitnesses said it was "wonky". Photo: Bill McBurnie.

placeholder image — Council workers clear up after cutting down Jedburgh's Christmas tree after eyewitnesses said it was "wonky". Photo: Bill McBurnie.

However, a spokesperson for the council said a new tree would be in place in the town next week, with trees being put in place in other towns across the Borders this week.

Following some derision voiced in various towns last year, when Scottish Borders Council said it could only source 20ft tall trees which were mostly dwarfed by their surroundings, this year’s batch of trees are expected to be 10ft taller.

Due to coronavirus restrictions on social distancing, no official lighting events have been planned this year, but the bigger trees may bring a much-needed smile to some Borderers’ faces.

The spokesperson said: “On delivery it was found that the Jedburgh tree was not suitable, so a replacement is on its way and should be erected next Wednesday.

“Trees for Hawick, Kelso, Eyemouth, Lauder, Earlston, Melrose, Galashiels, Selkirk, Innerleithen and Peebles are all arriving and are being erected this week, all being well ... all are 30ft sitka spruce trees.”