A beloved Scots landmark, affectionately known as the 'Boaby Woods', appears to be getting cut down, sparking panic among locals and travellers who use it as a sign they are nearly home.
Landmark under threat
The small forest, arranged in a T-shape and visible from the northbound carriageway of the M74, is one of the first sights Scots see when driving back from England. Dubbed the 'Cock of the North', it has long been a source of amusement and a cherished marker for many.
Facebook user Mark Brodie shared a photo of the trees being harvested, captioning it: "I honestly cannot believe it.. our beloved cock woods, penis woods or whatever you call it is being harvested. One of the 1st iconic landmarks when driving into Bonny Scotland is going to be no more...sad times my brethren!"
Reaction from Scots
The post sparked an outpouring of sadness on Reddit, with one user lamenting, "Disaster- it’s my favourite view on the M74." Another joked about a 'fircumcision', while someone else declared, "This is a national treasure!!! How can this be allowed?"
One Scot shared a lighthearted moment: "Driving on the M74 last week, my child “look mum, trees in the shape of a letter T!”. I mean, he’s not wrong."
Hope for the future
However, a Reddit user offered reassurance, explaining that the trees had suffered wind damage and would be replanted after felling. They noted the forest was planted as productive forestry a couple of hundred years ago and has already been felled and replanted three times.
Another added: "These are timber plantation trees, they were always meant to be felled once they reached their maximum height. They will be replanted."
