The Great Hedge Debate: Protection vs. Peril
A homeowner in Moray finds himself at the centre of an unlikely dispute with local authorities over what he describes as a modest garden feature. Bruce Riddoch, 39, planted a small beech hedge two years ago on a narrow strip of land between his property and a rural road near Keith.
The father-of-two intended the planting to act as a protective buffer, specifically to help absorb water runoff from a nearby quarry. Standing at less than two feet tall with sparse foliage, Mr Riddoch admits it's unlikely to win any horticultural awards, quipping that it's "a bit of a stretch to call it a hedge."
Council Takes a Firm Stance
The situation escalated in March when Moray Council intervened, demanding the hedge's removal on safety grounds. Council officials contend that the vegetation, despite its current modest size, risks endangering motorists and pedestrians using the adjacent carriageway.
Mr Riddoch initially believed the formal notification was a practical joke. "I thought a friend made it up and put the letter through the letter box as a joke," he recalled. "But, no, it was hand delivered by someone from the council." Since the initial contact, he claims there have been six site visits and countless emails from the council concerning the miniature hedge.
A Defiant Stand and Council Compromise
The council has given Mr Riddoch until February to resolve the situation by either removing the hedge entirely or moving it further back from the road. Failure to comply will result in the council taking action themselves, with all associated costs being passed to the homeowner.
However, Mr Riddoch remains defiant. "I have absolutely no intention of cutting it down," he stated. "If they want rid of it, they can come and cut it down themselves. I would love to think they have got better things to deal with." He insists he has no plans to let the hedge exceed its current height of 2ft, hoping only that it will "bush out a bit."
A spokesperson for Moray Council explained their position, citing the Roads (Scotland) Act. They stated that any vegetation affecting the road or pavement must be addressed. Their primary concern is that "the hedge has been planted too close to the carriageway, and in its current position it poses safety concerns for road users."
As a potential resolution, council officers have suggested moving the hedge just one metre away from the road and have even provided advice on replanting. They justified their proactive approach by noting that while the hedge is small now, beech hedges can grow to full tree height if left unmaintained. "The hedge is small at the moment, meaning it's easier to move, and that's why officers have acted early," the council added.
