Row takes root over garden sale

RESIDENTS in Duddingston are at loggerheads with the National Trust for Scotland over plans to sell off a community garden.

The garden was created using money from the legacy of Christina McNiven, former secretary of the local conservation society, who left her entire estate to the trust.

But now the trust wants to dispose of the garden, saying resources are urgently needed for properties of national importance.

It has agreed to give the residents' society first option on the site, and restrict its future use as a community garden, but is insisting it must pay the market value.

The move has prompted accusations of "oppressive bureaucracy", "arrogant administration", and "neglect" over the trust's handling of the bequest.