Independent seeking public’s views on town Christmas tree

Christmas may seem like a distant memory for many, but one Angus councillor is already on the campaign trail in a bid to brighten up his town centre for the next festive season.

Tommy Stewart, Independent councillor for Montrose and district, said he was responding to repeated complaints made over the last few years about the Christmas tree situated at the Town House.

Mr Stewart is trying to find out if the Montrose community wants to stick with a traditional tree this year, or go for the more modern, metal constructions which some other Angus towns have favoured.

Angus Council no longer funds Christmas lights throughout the county but the local authority does still supply Christmas trees to all the burghs, including Montrose.

Mr Stewart organises the popular Christmas Spectacular in Montrose High Street every year and is chairman of the Santa Claus in Montrose charity, which has donated nearly £10,000 to local causes.

He said: “There have been many negative comments about the quality of the Montrose Christmas tree over the last few years; some have said the trees have been quite sparse but some people are happy with it.

“I want to find out the thoughts of the Montrose public about getting a tree similar to the one that was erected in Laurencekirk last year, and in St Cyrus. It is a metal construction covered in lights.

“Montrose Community Council has taken over the Christmas lights from Angus Council, although the council still provides a tree for Montrose and every other burgh so the decision would lie with them if Montrose was to get something like this.”