Cherry Christmas!
11 November 2009
New trees are Hungary's gift to Shields Glen
A Hungarian scientist sent 20 cherry trees to Motherwell after reading a press article about saplings destroyed by vandals.
Professor Dr Janos Apostol, cherry expert at the Budapest Research Institute for Horticulture and Fruit Growing, was so upset by the destruction of the trees he arranged for new ones to be shipped over in time for Christmas.
He even came to plant them with the Honorary Consul for Hungary in Scotland, Tom Drysdale, and his Budapest business associate Timea Karpati.
The professor said: "I hope this gift brings joy to the local community and leads to further co-operation between Scotland and Hungary."
The trees at Shields Glen, Muirhouse, were part of a £170,000 conservation project by North Lanarkshire Council and environmental charity Central Scotland Forest Trust (CSFT).
The garden was gifted to the people of the town a century ago by the Hamilton family and was once a popular hub for local residents, but over the past 30 years had become overgrown.
A five-year programme to restore it was launched last year, including clearing the area and planting trees costing £2000.
But the trees, which had just come into blossom, were hacked down by vandals in April. Locals were dismayed and the council called it "sickening" but they now hope the project is back on track.
The Muirhouse and Flemington Neighbourhood Group came up with the idea for reviving the area. Chairman Ian Kelly said: "When the trees were vandalised no-one expected a good samaritan to step in all the way from Hungary.
"Local people have been overwhelmed by the generosity."
Simon Rennie, chief executive of CSFT, said: "We greatly appreciate the donation of 20 cherry trees for Shields Glen.
"This planting event demonstrates that a small minority of vandals will not upset our dedication to improve the landscape for local people."
It is also hoped that the trees will also be used as part of the professor's research into the viability of cherry crops in colder climates.
