Park staff bring Uphall some Christmas cheer

Dec 15 2011 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

tree

QUICK-THINKING staff at a West Lothian country park have saved Christmas for a county town.

Staff at Beecraigs Country Park came to the rescue of Uphall after the severe weather threatened to ruin the community’s Christmas celebrations.

Last Thursday morning, the Christmas tree in Uphall town centre was blown down by the ferocious winds. Thankfully no one was hurt but the tree was broken in two.

With the light switch-on ceremony planned for Saturday it was touch and go whether the ceremony would have to go ahead, minus a Christmas tree.

However, when staff from Beecraigs Country Park heard about the town’s plight, they offered to help and had one of their own trees cut down and delivered to ensure the town had a little sparkle this Christmas.

Irene Bishop, chair of Uphall Community Council, explained: “Given the short timescales, it was impossible to buy one big enough in time for Saturday but thankfully, the guys at Beecraigs stepped in and delivered one of their own trees the next again day. It looks absolutely fantastic.

“I’m sure everyone would agree that it is really important that a town has a tree during festive period.

“I’ve spoken to lots of residents and local businesses and they are all very grateful to the staff at Beecraigs for their generosity.”

The lights were switched on at Uphall Community Centre on Saturday evening as planned.

Council leader Peter Johnston thanked the staff for their efforts saying:“It just wouldn’t have been the same without a tree. I’d like to thank everyone at Beecraigs Country Park for helping the residents.”