Preparations are underway to clear the storm-devastated Tyrebagger forest as a new business has revealed it has taken over the running of the ever-popular Christmas tree sales.
For 45 years people across the north-east have gone to Tyrebagger forest to pick the perfect tree.
But last year Covid-19 restrictions meant visits were appointment-only, leaving many people disappointed.
Now Scottish Christmas Trees (SCT), who have taken over from national forest manager Forestry and Land Scotland, are getting the site prepared to create a new, festive visitor experience.
No pre-booking needed for Tyrebagger this Christmas
Co-manager Angela McGoldrick is well-aware of the popularity of the site and is looking forward to welcoming the visitors.
She said: “Tyrebagger Forest suffered great loss after the devastation of last year’s storms – many of the forest walks are still closed due to fallen trees, many of which were decades old.
“At the moment the site is being prepared following on from the storm damage.
“It’s being made safe with a lot of logs being cleared.”
The company has been selling trees from its farm in the south of Scotland online since 2003, but this is the first time it will be running a site selling trees – not least what SCT has identified as one of the most significant festive tree sales operations in Scotland.
“We know it’s been popular in the past as having done our own research we know it’s one of the biggest sales centres for Christmas trees in the whole of the country,” she said.
“This is SCT’s first time into major retail with our first sales centre and it’s an exciting time.
“We know it’s been a family tradition in Aberdeen and the north-east to come and choose your perfect Christmas tree at Tyrebagger.
“This year we also go back to the pre-Covid arrangements, whereby there’s no pre-booking required.”
Family activities
Visitors to the site this year will also be able to enjoy an illuminated festive forest walk, food and drink stalls, including Tomintoul Venison, carol singing, and Christmas characters who will bring a little magic to some children’s nursery and school outings that are planned.
SCT has also decided to support local charity Charlie House, who are raising funds to build a special respite care facility for children with life-limiting conditions.
Visitors to the Christmas tree sales centre will be able to place a ribbon of hope on the wishing tree and make a donation.
Making festive memories
Ms McGoldrick said: “We have lots of seasonal festive fun elements in store to help make folks’ trip to Tyrebagger memorable.
“We are immensely proud to champion local Aberdeen charity Charlie House who supports children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, and their families.
“At Christmas time it’s not what we have ourselves but what you can extend to others.
“It’s family-orientated and brings joy and happiness.”
SCT is Dumfries-based and owned by the Young family with director Rory heading up the business.
The family has owned the farm since the early 1900s and branched out into growing Christmas trees over 20 years ago.
All trees for sale at the site will come from SCT headquarters in Dumfries.
Recovery from the storm
Forestry & Land Scotland area visitor services manager for the area Justin Livesey said: “The sales centres was always run to spread a bit of Christmas magic in a real woodland setting and while it did bring in a little income, that was never the sole purpose.
“However, increasing levels of competition and the pressure that running the sales centre places on our resources, has meant that it has become uneconomical for us to continue running it ourselves.
“At the moment we’re focusing all our reserves and resources on dealing with the aftermath of last winter’s storms and trying to get back to normal forestry work.
“However, despite our not being able to be there ‘in person’ we hope that our usual customers will still come along to find their perfect Christmas tree.”
When will Tyrebagger’s festive experience be open?
The site will open on November 26 until December 21, seven days a week from 10am to 6pm. Thursday is late night shopping until 8pm.
Hot drinks and snacks will also be available from Tomintoul Venison Catering.
You can find out more here.
Conversation