An Edinburgh heritage group is fuming over potential damage caused to trees by the construction of the Christmas markets.
The Cockburn Society flagged concerns while sharing images of old trees covered in wires, construction materials and tools during the building of the Christmas Markets in West Princes Street Gardens which open this Saturday.
The images show the great mature trees covered with electrical wires, lights and with temporary huts built all around them.
There are concerns the excessive work could damage the trees roots - potentially harming nature within the gardens after Christmas when the markets are taken away.
After visiting the site Edinburgh Council officers are now working to remedy planning conditions that were not initially met including improving the decking on site.
The Cockburn Society took to Twitter writing: “Unfortunately, we have found it necessary to raise serious concerns today with @Edinburgh_CC's chief planner about the potential damage being done to the mature trees in East Princes Street Gardens.
“Although begun some weeks ago, official consent from @planningedin for project was only issued yesterday.
“These guaranteed that "tree protection measures" would be in place & "an arboricultural specialist from the Council's Parks and Greenspace" team will sign them off.”
The tweet gained over 100 likes and over 60 shares many from concerned locals.
@Airisaiia said: “We need legal action from the people of Edinburgh vs Underbelly.”
@parkemmapark added: “It’s just not the venue for it. It needs to move or there will be nothing worth visiting. “A mile of gardens” should be honoured. It is not a park.”
While @Hyfy19 said: “Not again ban Xmas tat from the gardens.”
Director of the Cockburn Association Terry Levinthal, added: “How desperately disappointed we are, after articulating our concerns over several years, that the mature trees of East Princes Street Gardens are still apparently not receiving adequate protection during this annual event.
"If contractors cannot follow these most basic of Council guidelines to safeguard these precious trees, situated on Common Good land in the heart of our city, and if the Council finds itself unable to enforce its own clear rules, then the inescapable conclusion is that East Princes Street Gardens is not a suitable site for such events.”
A City of Edinburgh Council spokesperson confirmed to Edinburgh Live that officers have been scrambled to the site.
They added: “Following a meeting on site, our Parks and Planning Enforcement teams have agreed a set of actions with the operator to remedy those areas where planning conditions weren’t initially met.
"Tree protection measures are being improved, as is the protection of monuments and statues. The operator is also working with officers to improve pads and decking in certain areas of the site.”
A spokesperson for Edinburgh's Christmas, run by Underbelly, told Edinburgh Live "some minor adjustments" have been made following the site visit.
They said: “We have worked with Edinburgh Council throughout each stage of the planning process and build, consulting all the relevant departments to ensure planning conditions were met.
"We had a positive meeting with the Parks and Planning Enforcement team who flagged some minor adjustments that could be made, we've taken these suggestions on board and are looking forward to officially opening Edinburgh's Christmas this weekend.”
