PLANS to erect a memorial tree in Peebles cemetery for bereaved families who have lost babies and children have been put on hold.

Peebles Community Council has been in talks with Scottish Borders Council to remove the two overgrown Cherry Trees and put a commemorative sculpture in their place.

The community leaders want to enhance the children’s cemetery which is said to have become a gloomy, dark, and dank place to visit and is often covered in bird droppings.

One bereaved family suggested the erection of a metal tree sculpture similar to the Tree of Tranquillity provided by SiMBA, for families to add a leaf to the tree with their loved one’s name inscribed on it.

However, members of the town’s community council have been informed that an individual has objected to the felling of the Cherry Trees.

Acting chairman Lawrie Hayworth, said: “A member of the community did get in touch through our webpage, and Les as Chair responded in a very positive way. He said that we are looking at what improvements can be made and no action will be taken and Cherry Trees will certainly not be removed without going back to the community with suggestions and a way forward to make it a space for people to sit and remember lost young ones.”

Peebles mum, Elisa Mackie, lost the twins at 21 weeks, and they were laid to rest in the children’s cemetery.

She has been assisting the community council with their plans to improve the cemetery.

She said: “A member of the public has voiced their concerns about having the cherry tress taken down. I have spoken to Neil Pringle at the Council and they’ve also been in touch with him, and until that’s resolved we are not able to progress any further with looking to have them taken down, or having a commemorative in their place or alongside them.

“We’ve offered to meet with the person to find out what the connection is with the trees. It was never going to be about replacing them, it was about putting something better in for a range of people that will use the children’s cemetery.”

Mr Hayworth replied: “I do believe that whenever something is put forward there will be individuals who cannot appreciate perhaps that this can be and enhancement to the remembrance experience. I lost a child many years ago and so I can understand just how sensitive a subject it is.

“But it would be good to be able to take forward something where they can look at a sketch and get a feel and perhaps be engaged with the process of coming up with something that might be appropriate going forward.”

Elisa added: “The cherry trees are around 30 to 40 years old and they have a lifespan so they will not be there forever, however, if we look to do something that is going to be there for a longer period of time that might be more favourable.

"I think the person was concerned that the trees were going to simply be cut down with nothing put in place and that was never the intention.”