FOREST TREES BRING CHRISTMAS CHEER

Three 30-foot-tall Christmas trees from Tay Forest District are helping to give Perth a festive look. The Forestry Commission Scotland trees were supplied to Perth and Kinross Council for display at Horsecross, outside the Concert Hall, and in King Edward Street, opposite the City Hall.

Forester Graham Stirling explained where they came from,

“We specially selected three well-shaped Sitka spruce from Fonab Forest by Pitlochry. When we receive a request for such large trees, we custom cut them. But we also have a range of ready-cut Christmas trees on display at Inver, so all the family can to come along and chose the perfect tree.”

Provost Bob Scott commented,

"No Christmas celebration would be complete without trees and I am pleased to see that those supplied to Perth this year are drawn from our own local forests. They certainly add that finishing touch to our civic decorations and I would like to thank the Forestry Commission for supplying such fine specimens."

The Christmas trees on sale at the Tay Forest District offices at Inverpark range from 4-foot-tall upwards. They are netted on the spot so it is easier for the customer to transport them home.

The choice includes traditional Norway spruce, Lodgepole pine with its glossy green foliage and Nordmann fir, which is renowned for not dropping its needles. A new addition this year is the Fraser fir, whose needles are a bluish green.

The sales centre at Inverpark is on the opposite side of the A9 from Dunkeld. It is open from December 2 to 22, from 8.30am to 4pm. Tree stands, calendars and firewood are also on sale. For trees more than 12-foot-tall, customers should ring 01350 727284 in advance.

NOTES TO EDITOR:

• Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Executive's forestry department. It manages 668,000 hectares of national forest land for multiple benefits, including nature conservation, public recreation, timber production, and rural and community development; supports other woodland owners with grants, felling licences, advice and regulation; promotes the benefits of forests and forestry; and advises Ministers on forestry policy. For further information, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland

Media contacts:

• Claire Martin, Forestry Commission Scotland press office, tel. 0131 314 6506.
• Graham Stirling, Tay Forest District, tel. 01350 727284

e-mail: claire.martin@forestry.gsi.gov.uk