SCOTTISH Borders Council hopes to avoid another festive backlash this forthcoming yuletide over the size of its community Christmas trees.

The local authority ordered a dozen 20ft (6m) fir trees to be placed in town centres across the region last Crimbo.

But the trees supplied came up short – with some estimated to measure a little over half of the ordered height.

During their installation communities were outraged at their size and a number had to be replaced.

Now it has emerged that the council’s supplier has agreed to supply three trees free of charge this year after the 2023 mix-up.

Additionally, the local authority has been informed that this year’s trees should be 30ft in height.

The news emerged at a meeting of full council at which councillor Viv Thomson requested an update on the  issue of the supply of ‘living’ Christmas trees to communities.

SBC has been looking into supplying communities which are currently in receipt of a Christmas tree with a living tree, to reduce the authority’s carbon footprint.

Councillor John Greenwell, SBC’s executive member for roads and public space development, said: “Investigations have found that the majority of sites where cut trees are traditionally erected aren’t suitable for planting a living tree as they are mostly in hard landscaped areas in a pipe within the ground.

“Any community that wishes to have a living Christmas tree would need to identify a site where trees could be planted into the ground, most of which would likely be outwith the traditional town centre sites.”

Galashiels Community Council expressed an interest in having a living tree planted in Bank Street Gardens.

On making enquiries members were told that the maximum size of tree was three metres, which was deemed to be unsuitable.

Councillor Greenwell added: “Trees of this size have the best chance of growing successfully but require patience from the community to reach the size they might be accustomed to.

“For this year, due to the supply issues last year, where they were unable to meet the size of tree ordered by the council, our supplier has agreed to supply three trees free of charge as part of our order for 12.

“These trees should be 30 feet tall this year. While this has addressed provision for the current year, the council will consider further options for Christmas tree provision going forward, including living trees where these can be sited in an agreed location.”