HISTORIANS at Melrose Abbey have applied for permission to fell an ancient apple tree which was planted to commemorate a Borders MP.
The tree, which sits to the north of the Abbey's Presbytery, was planted in remembrance of the eighth Duke of Buccleuch.
Walter Montagu Douglas Scott served as the MP for Roxburghshire and Selkirkshire between 1923 and 1935.
He was also a commander of the 4th KOSB.
Experts at Melrose Abbey don't believe the tree will survive much longer as much of the trunk has suffered from decay.
Peter Ranson from Historic Environment Scotland said: “The old apple tree that was planted to commemorate the life of the 8th Duke of Buccleuch has now reached a point where it is unsafe.
“We propose to cut the tree to ground level and reduce the few remaining pieces of root by chipping away carefully with a mattock.
“This work will be carried out under a watching archaeological brief.”
Talks have taken place with the current Duke of Buccleuch and it is hoped to plant a replacement tree.
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