New avenue of trees thanks to local firm

Midlothian Council’s land and countryside team is creating a new avenue of trees in Penicuik thanks to a donation by local electronics firm, Findlay Irvine.

First phase finished

Findlay Irvine Managing Director Colin Irvine visited the site on Rullion Road to help plant the last cherry tree marking the end of the first phase of the project.

Generous donation

Mr Irvine said the idea for the £5,000 donation came from a member of staff. 

A staff suggestion

He said: “We had been due to celebrate our 60th birthday in 2020 but that got put on hold because of Covid. We have a staff suggestions scheme and a member of staff put forward the idea of using the money instead to plant the trees.

Years to enjoy

“We thought it was a great idea as lots of people, including our staff who live in Penicuik, can get to enjoy the trees for years to come.”

40 trees to be planted

The council’s landscaping team has planted 16 cherry trees on the stretch of communal grass and will return in the autumn to plan a further 24 beech trees.

Huge thank you

Chief Officer Place Derek Oliver thanked Findlay Irvine for the donation. He said: “This is a great example of partnership working for the benefit of our communities. 

Enhancing local area

“A huge thanks to Findlay Irvine for their generous donation to help make enhancements to our open spaces.”

In the picture

In the picture from left to right are: Colin Keith, Dylan Jones, Stewart Hamilton and Gordon Sclater (corr) from the Land & Countryside team with Colin Irvine on the far right.