Wednesday August 5th 2026
High vegetation between two properties on Ashgrove, in Musselburgh, has sparked a row
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
A professional couple are challenging an enforcement order demanding they cut down their high hedge by claiming it is not a hedge at all.
East Lothian Council issued the order to Professor Angus Macdonald and Dr Patricia Macdonald after their neighbours complained the vegetations was overhanging their property dropping ‘tree and berry debris’ on it and blocking out the sky.
However in an appeal to Scottish Ministers the couple are arguing that the ‘hedge’ described by council officers as a mix of 17 closely planted trees and shrubs is in fact a mix of common ivy which clings to the boundary wall between the properties and three cherry laurel trees which have been on the property for more than 50 years.
They say: “The vegetation is not and has never been managed as a hedge.”
In addition they point to the local authority’s own tree canopy policy which is looking to increase the amount of cover in the county as well as the benefits the trees bring to the environment and wildlife.
The council issued the High Hedge notice ordering it to be cut to and maintained at a maximum height of 2.5 metres, however they excluded an ash and willow tree at either end of the boundary wall from any work saying they did not need to be trimmed.
The neighbours included photographs of the debris from the trees gathering in their garden and on top of their home.
In their appeal which will be investigated by a Scottish Government Reporter, the Macdonalds say the trees and ivy make a “significant contribution” to the visual amenity of Ashgrove, which lies within the Musselburgh Conservation Area
They add: “Our relatively small area of garden ground, with its structure of trees and shrubs, not only provides shelter from extreme weather, cleans the air of pollutants, and helps to mitigate high temperatures during heatwaves like that of this summer of 2026, but has also provided considerable support for wildlife of every kind, including more than 50 species of birds, more than 10 species of butterflies, and numerous species of bees and other useful insect pollinators.
“The integrity of this area and its benefits to both nature and people depends on the protection provided by the trees and shrubs along its boundaries and would therefore be negatively impacted by the requirements of the present High Hedge Notice.”
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