A Controversial Decision: The Felling of Trees in East Kilbride
Restaurant owners have faced backlash after cutting down 80 trees to expand their car park, leading to a public apology and an ongoing debate about the impact on local green spaces.
The Birk family, who recently took over The Osprey in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, admitted they made a mistake. Their decision to remove mature woodland outside the bar and restaurant has left many locals upset, as the once secluded bistro now faces an industrial estate across the busy A726 road.
The Birk family, known for their Indian cuisine and long-standing presence in the Glasgow area, owns other successful establishments such as The Malletsheugh. Despite their experience, they have acknowledged that their latest move was “insensitive.”
In a public statement on Facebook, they expressed regret, stating, “We’re sorry. We got this wrong. We have to hold up our hands and say we made a mistake.” They emphasized that while there were no tree preservation orders and the property is not in a conservation area, they recognize this is not an excuse.
The owners are currently in discussions with local planning and forestry authorities, as well as a landscape architect, to reforest the land with young trees. They have pleaded with the community to give them another chance to show who they really are and what they hope to bring to the area.
However, the decision has sparked outrage among residents, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment. One resident wrote, “They have owned the property for a matter of weeks and in that time, have managed to totally decimate the surrounding area, and all the character Carrigan’s restaurant had.”
Another commented, “They certainly know how to make friends with us locals. Absolutely shocking.” Many have vowed not to visit the new restaurant, which is currently closed for renovations.
The felling of various tree species, including an oak, has added to the controversy, especially given the proximity to Calderglen County Park and Zoo. This area is a valuable green space and home to diverse wildlife.
The previous social media post from the Birk family mentioned building community bonds, but the recent development has seemingly broken these connections. Some residents feel that the trees were part of the landscape for a long time and that the new view is unappealing.
East Kilbride’s MSP, Collette Stevenson, has raised the issue with South Lanarkshire Council due to the significant anger from locals. She noted that the restaurant bosses’ apology made it clear that the decision was theirs and that it was wrong.
Stevenson encouraged those interested to reach out to the Birk family to discuss concerns and find ways to put things right. She also highlighted that the next steps will depend on responses from Scottish Forestry and South Lanarkshire Council.
Fraser Carlin, head of planning at the council, confirmed that the trees were not under preservation orders, so no permission was needed. However, he noted that in some cases, felling permission may be required from Scottish Forestry.
Scottish Forestry has opened an investigation into the incident, as there was no felling permission. Officers inspected the site on Monday, and the agency has stated that it takes all reports of unauthorized felling seriously.
South Lanarkshire Council and Scottish Forestry have been contacted for further comment.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Concerns
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the balance between development and preserving natural spaces. While some residents have praised the Birk family for their honesty, others believe the reaction has been excessive.
One commenter said, “Good on you for explaining and I know a lot of people are angry but really the reaction has been excessive.” Another wrote, “Well done for opening up and I appreciate the reasons behind your decision, as the car has always been inadequate.”
Despite these positive remarks, the community remains divided. Many feel that the loss of trees has negatively impacted the area’s character and environment.
As the situation continues to unfold, the focus will remain on whether the Birk family can restore trust and work with the community to ensure a more sustainable future for the area.
