Ally McCoist embroiled in tree dispute with neighbour
Ally McCoist has responded to claims from his neighbour that he lives in fear of the Scotland icon’s towering Sycamore trees, reports BritPanorama.
The former Rangers striker is at the centre of a dispute with Alan Tyers, a retired British Airways pilot residing next door in a category C-listed building in Renfrewshire. Mr Tyers asserts that the 90-foot-tall trees block natural light from reaching his home and pose a genuine hazard.
According to Mr Tyers, he attempted to contact Mr McCoist to discuss the issue and request the trees be trimmed, but received no response. After exhausting informal channels, he escalated the matter to Renfrewshire Council under high hedge legislation, which subsequently declined his application.
Unperturbed, Mr Tyers has escalated the issue to the Scottish Government through an appeal process, telling officials that he lives in “real fear” of a tree falling onto his property. In his written representations to government officials, Mr McCoist defended the Sycamores, arguing they are distinct from a hedge and do not fall under the statutory definition of “high hedge.”
The ex-Scotland international pointed out that the trees, standing over six metres apart, are not managed as a hedge and exhibit characteristics inconsistent with hedge planting as described in regulatory guidance. He contends that cutting the trees to comply with hedge height regulations would effectively require their removal.
Mr McCoist also emphasised their mature status as significant features within the conservation area, underscoring how they contribute to the character and amenity of the locality. Council officials reiterated their stance, stating that their assessment found the trees did not impede the reasonable enjoyment of Mr Tyers’ property.
As the appeal awaits a ruling from a Scottish Government reporter, the dispute highlights the complex interplay between personal property rights and community standards around heritage landscapes.
