The tranquil grounds of Pier Park, nestled at the foot of Dumbarton Castle, became a sanctuary of remembrance for John Gibson, an 87-year-old widower seeking solace after the passing of his beloved wife, Alexandra. Their 68-year marriage, a testament to enduring love and companionship, had ended with Alexandra’s death in 2022. To honor her memory and their shared love for nature, particularly Alexandra’s cherished garden, John accepted the council’s offer of a memorial tree in the park. He meticulously prepared the site, planting Alexandra’s favorite snowdrops and daffodils around the sapling, and even purchased a strimmer to maintain the surrounding grass. Under the nascent tree, he buried a time capsule containing precious mementos of their life together – photographs, keepsakes, and a snapshot of present-day currency, hoping it would one day offer a glimpse into their lives for future generations. This simple act of remembrance became a focal point for John’s grief and a tangible link to his departed wife.
Two years later, this sanctuary was shattered by an unexpected and deeply upsetting phone call. John’s son, David, relayed the devastating news that the memorial tree, along with five others, had been planted on land designated as a protected historical site by Historic Environment Scotland (HES). The trees, unknowingly placed within the boundaries of a nationally important monument, were deemed to be encroaching on protected land. The council, having overseen the initial planting, had inadvertently placed the memorial trees in a location requiring scheduled monument consent. This oversight now necessitated the uprooting and relocation of the trees, including the one dedicated to Alexandra.
The news struck John with profound sadness and incomprehension. The location held deep personal significance, symbolizing not only Alexandra’s memory but also their enduring bond. He had envisioned the tree flourishing in that very spot, its roots intertwining with the earth as a permanent tribute to their love story. The prospect of its removal felt like another loss, reopening the wound of his wife’s passing. He questioned the rationale behind the decision, pointing out the seemingly undisturbed nature of the surrounding area and the potential presence of other personal tributes, such as ashes, beneath the other memorial trees.
Adding to the emotional weight of the situation was the impending anniversary of their 71st wedding anniversary, a milestone they would never celebrate together. Their relationship, which began during their school years, was a constant companionship, earning them the affectionate nicknames of “Batman and Robin” and the “deadly duo.” The thought of moving the tree, a physical representation of their inseparable bond, felt like a further separation, a disruption of the sacred space he had created for his wife’s memory.
Historic Environment Scotland, recognizing the sensitive nature of the situation, confirmed that the trees had indeed been planted within a protected area governed by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. They stated that without scheduled monument consent, the trees would need to be relocated. Working in conjunction with West Dunbartonshire Council, they identified a new location within Pier Park, just outside the protected zone, where the trees could be replanted.
West Dunbartonshire Council expressed their sincere apologies to the affected families, acknowledging the mistake in the initial planting. They assured the families that they would handle the relocation process with utmost care and sensitivity, keeping them informed every step of the way. They submitted an application to HES for permission to replant the trees in the new location and committed to undertaking the work as soon as authorization was granted.
While the council’s swift action and apologetic response offered some comfort, it did little to alleviate the emotional distress experienced by John. The relocation, though within the same park, felt like a compromise, a diminished tribute to Alexandra’s memory. The carefully chosen spot, the personalized touches, and the time capsule buried beneath the tree held a unique significance that could not be easily replicated. The prospect of starting anew, of rebuilding the memorial in a different location, added another layer of grief to an already heavy burden. The incident highlighted the complexities of balancing the preservation of historical sites with the emotional needs of individuals seeking to create lasting memorials for their loved ones. It underscored the importance of clear communication and careful planning to avoid such emotionally charged situations in the future.
