Rangers hero Ally McCoist believes Renfrewshire Council's decision to take no action over the height of two trees on his Bridge of Weir property should be upheld. The football pundit has submitted a letter to the Scottish Government supporting the local authority's ruling.
Background of the dispute
The neighbour, Alan Tyers, challenged the council's refusal to serve a 'high hedge notice' under the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013. Tyers claimed the sycamores block light to his house and falling branches have damaged his roof during storms. The council rejected his application in April.
McCoist's submission
In his letter, McCoist wrote: 'I respectfully submit that the appeal should be refused and the council's decision upheld.' He questioned whether the trees meet the legal definition of a 'high hedge', noting they are mature deciduous trees over six metres apart, not managed as a hedge.
'Their spacing, character and management are inconsistent with hedge planting,' he added. 'It is respectfully submitted that the trees do not fall within the statutory definition of a high hedge at all.'
Council's reasoning
Planners concluded the tree height—estimated over 27 metres—does not 'adversely affect the enjoyment of the domestic property' as an occupant could reasonably expect. The council assessed light effects, window characteristics, and site context, noting the deciduous trees allow light penetration and rooms have additional light sources.
McCoist supported this, stating: 'The council carried out a detailed assessment... no significant impacts were identified on the windows of the property.'
Neighbour's concerns
Tyers escalated the matter to the planning and environmental appeals division in April. In his appeal, he said: 'These are fast-growing, very old Sycamores... combined with increased storm activity, the problem has increased year on year. I am now living with the real fear of tree collapse onto my house.'
He added that upstairs rooms are 'unusable for fear of tree collapse' and the trees 'overhang my rear door and block out light'.
Next steps
The Scottish Government confirmed the appeal has been allocated to a reporter, with a target decision date of July 28.
