Christmas trees distributed throughout the county by East Lothian Council have spread some festive cheer to local communities.
The trees distributed by the council are very much appreciated and enjoyed.
A total of 18 trees were installed in public areas by hard-working members of the council’s Amenity Services team to the delight of young and old.
And when the trees are ready to come down, they will be recycled and the compost used to fertilise soil across East Lothian.
A 30-foot tree was stationed outside the Corn Exchange in Haddington and a 20-footer in Musselburgh’s Fisherrow which were both sourced from Forestry Land Scotland.
Keith Walker, who works in Amenity Services, was among the team distributing the trees. He said: “A lot of work goes into it. By February we are already looking to organise it for the following Christmas.
“It’s nice to know you’ve been involved in putting them up in all these communities and helping spread a little cheer.
“After Christmas, the trees we distributed will go through a chipper and that’s used in flowerbeds. And the real trees collected by the council from the public are composted.”
Willie Robertson, who operates Beanston Farm near Haddington, supplied 16 of the trees which are on display, with many stretching to around 17-feet in height. Port Seton and Pencaitland each have two of trees while others have been mounted in Musselburgh, Tranent, Elphinstone, North Berwick, Dunbar, Haddington, Prestonpans, Garvald, New Winton, Whitecraig, Gladsmuir and East Saltoun.
Willie also buys back tonnes of compost created from recycled Christmas trees collected by the council. He said: “There is a nice buzz from helping to create happiness at this time of year.
“We spread the compost on our fields and it’s really good for the soil. It makes the soil more pliable and able to handle drought and excess rainfall easier.”
Ralph Averbuch, who sits on Pencaitland and District Community Council, said: “The trees distributed by the council are very much appreciated and enjoyed. One of the trees we received forms part of a bigger display at Trevelyan Hall where we have the community lights switch on.
“It’s excellent our trees are sourced from a local supplier and that the trees are recycled for use in East Lothian.”