Royal tree blocks access

Part of a 50-year-old tree in the grounds of Holyrood Palace collapsed in the early hours of yesterday morning, splitting the Norway Maple in half and blocking a side entrance to the palace.

A spokeswoman for Historic Scotland said: "The tree split in two in the middle of the night due to strong winds. There was no other damage to property.

"A specialist contractor was called in to work with gardening staff to properly and safely remove the tree. This involved using rope techniques to take it down."

She added: "A replacement will be planted in the autumn at the start of planting season."