Ally McCoist's neighbor loses appeal over high‑hedge trees

A Bridge of Weir resident, Alan Tyers, appealed Renfrewshire Council's decision not to act on two mature sycamore trees on former Scotland international Ally McCoist's property. Tyers argued the trees blocked light and had damaged his roof, seeking a reduction under the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013, which allows councils to require trimming of qualifying hedges.

The appeal was reviewed by the Scottish Government's planning and environmental appeals division. Reporter Simon Bonsall concluded that, despite the trees’ height (estimated over 27 m) and spacing, they did not meet the statutory definition of a hedge and therefore the council was not required to consider the appeal further. McCoist supported the council’s original finding. The appeal was dismissed, leaving the trees standing.