Early Christmas pressie goes down a tree-t

29th November 2013

CHRISTMAS has come early for Wick folk. Reporter Noel Donaldson.

They were left “pine-ing” for that quintessential of festive trappings, a tree, after it was assumed that construction of the new council offices well underway in Market Square, left no room for one, this year.

However, with a little assistance from some of Santa’s local helpers, townspeople now have a tree, again.

Morag Mackenzie, whose cafe looks onto the Square couldn’t bear the thought of it being treeless, during the festive season.

She made a plea to wind farm owner James Innes, of Achairn, who immediately pledged a 10ft lodgepole pine from his plantation and duly delivered it. Morgan Sindall, the firm engaged in the council construction contract, also entered into the Christmas spirit.

Their workmen took time out from their work to create a plinth inside their perimeter safety fence to accommodate the tree and council staff rigged up the lights.

Mr Innes said: “I daresay there will be comments about the height of the tree but a taller one might have given the contractors a problem. Every foot in height means an addition to the width.”

Ms Mackenzie added: “Christmas just wouldn’t be the same in the Square without a tree” and added she was sure that townspeople would be delighted with it. The tree is expected to be switched on over the weekend.