THE Christmas tree in Galashiels will be shorter than usual this year, a meeting has heard.

Galashiels representative Euan Jardine, of the Conservatives, said that Scottish Borders Council was unable to source a 30ft tree for the town.

At a meeting of the community council, Mr Jardine said: “The Christmas tree is to be delivered and put in place within the next two weeks.

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“Unfortunately it’s not going to be 30ft, it’s going to be 20ft.

“I know some people won’t be happy with that but unfortunately they just couldn’t source one.”

It will be the third consecutive year that a 20ft Christmas tree will stand in Galashiels.

There will be no improvement to the lights in Galashiels this year, or an official switch-on.