A controversial decision by the owners of The Osprey restaurant in East Kilbride has sparked significant backlash after approximately 80 mature trees were felled on the site.

The Birks family, who took over the establishment formerly known as Carrigan’s earlier this year, stated that the removal was intended to “open up space” for a potential car park expansion.

Among the trees removed were a 100-year-old oak, alongside willow, cherry, and other mature species, which have long contributed to the character and greenery of the area. While none of the trees were protected by a preservation order and the site is not located within a conservation area, the lack of consultation with local authorities before the work began has prompted serious concern from residents and environmental groups alike.

Scottish Forestry has confirmed that it is investigating the matter, as no felling permission was obtained prior to the removal. The investigation will examine whether the work adhered to forestry regulations and consider the environmental impact on the local ecosystem.

The Birks family has since issued a public apology, acknowledging the decision as a mistake and expressing regret for the impact on the community. In a statement, they committed to replanting young trees on the site and confirmed they have engaged a landscape architect to guide restoration efforts. The family also indicated a willingness to work with local conservation and heritage organisations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Despite these efforts, community reaction remains mixed. Some residents have expressed support for the family’s plans to replant and restore the area, emphasising the importance of The Osprey as a local business and social hub. Others, however, are concerned that the mature trees, some over a century old, represent an irreplaceable part of East Kilbride’s natural heritage, and that the environmental loss cannot be fully mitigated by young saplings.

Local MSP Collette Stevenson has sought clarification from South Lanarkshire Council and The Osprey’s owners regarding the process that led to the tree removal, including whether any planning approvals were sought or considered. The incident has also sparked a wider discussion about balancing development and environmental preservation within growing communities, highlighting the tensions between commercial interests and conservation.

Environmental campaigners have pointed out the broader impact of tree loss, including reduced air quality, loss of wildlife habitats, and diminished aesthetic and recreational value for local residents. They argue that mature trees provide ecological benefits that young plantings cannot immediately replicate, and they are calling for clearer guidance and stricter enforcement of tree-felling regulations.

The Osprey situation has reignited debates across East Kilbride about how the community values its green spaces, with calls for increased public awareness and consultation on changes that affect the local environment. Community groups have also highlighted the importance of maintaining mature trees as part of the town’s heritage and natural identity, emphasising that decisions impacting the environment should involve meaningful dialogue with residents.

Their public apology and commitment to restoration, however, has been acknowledged by some as a step toward reconciliation with the community.

As investigations continue and discussions around local development versus environmental preservation evolve, East Kilbride residents remain engaged, with many watching closely to see how the situation will be rectified.

MSP Stevenson’s Office released a statement “The Head of Planning & Regulatory Services at South Lanarkshire Council advised fairly quickly that they don’t own the land and that a Tree Preservation Order was not in place. If there were any trees tagged, it wasn’t by the local authority.

Scottish Forestry last night confirmed they hadn’t granted felling permission. From their map viewer, it was clear an application hadn’t been submitted, which is why my office emailed them for clarification on the matter.

They said last night:

“We take all reports of alleged unauthorised felling very seriously. I can confirm that Scottish Forestry has not granted Felling Permission for the activity at the site of the former Carrigan’s restaurant. As such, we have opened a formal investigation into the matter and a site visit will be conducted as part of the investigation.

As the investigation is now underway, it would not be appropriate to comment further until it has concluded and next steps have been decided.”

My office have asked Scottish Forestry to update us when it is appropriate to do so.

Happy to share updates when they are received.”

Please share your views in the comments below — your voice is important in shaping how our community balances progress with preservation.

Contact us by email contact@thecommunityimpact.co.uk or social media if you wish to confidentially discuss this article. You can always comment below.