A bitter neighbourhood dispute over a hedge has been raging for five years in Prestonfield, Edinburgh, leaving pensioners "scared" to go outside.
Keith, 71, and Julie Smith have been locked in a feud with their neighbours over the height of a hedge that they claim plunges their garden into darkness.
What began as a minor disagreement has escalated dramatically, with accusations of aggressive behaviour from both sides.
The situation has become so hostile that police have been called to intervene in the dispute.
At the heart of the dispute is a hedge that towers over the Smiths' property (Stock Image)
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"Their behaviour has been atrocious, absolutely appalling," Keith told Edinburgh Live, "I have never experienced that sort of provocation and intimidation."
The Smiths claim their neighbours are "unpredictable" and have allegedly been recorded shouting abusive language.
At the heart of the dispute is a hedge that towers over the Smiths' property, which the couple claim has an "overbearing effect on their home" by blocking sunlight.
Julie Smith said the ongoing situation has caused tremendous stress: "We are pensioners and we should be enjoying our lives, sitting back, and enjoying our garden. I'm scared to go out there."
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In June 2020, the Smiths paid £350 for a High Hedge Notice application to address the issue.
Under regulations, hedges defined as "high" are over two metres tall, block sunlight, or "adversely affects the enjoyment" of a property.
Edinburgh Council sent an inspector nearly a year later, but the application was initially denied.
The inspector ruled the hedge did not negatively impact their property enough to warrant action.
Undeterred, the Smiths appealed the council's decision, and in a surprising turn, their appeal proved successful.
The hedge was ordered to be trimmed to 2.6 metres. In 2023, the hedge was finally cut back after the successful appeal.
However, despite the hedge being cut, the dispute has continued to escalate, with the Smiths claiming that the trimming was inadequate, requesting the council reassess.
Council officials agreed that the remaining trees should be further cut back.
However, the Smiths allege that gaps where trees once stood were replaced with gardening tools, ladders, pipes and concrete, describing this as a "deliberate" and provocative move by their neighbours.
Meanwhile, the hedge owners have flatly refused to take any further action, claiming they are feeling harassed and intimidated by the Smiths.
The neighbours have reported the Smiths to "relevant authorities", it is understood. Police were called to the property in June 2024 following a disagreement.
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed: "Around 2.55pm on Wednesday, 19 June, 2024, we received a report relating to a dispute between residents in the Priestfield area of Edinburgh. Officers attended and suitable advice was given."
The Smiths claim their neighbours are "unpredictable" and have allegedly been recorded shouting abusive language (Stock Image)
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The situation escalated again in July.
"Around 9.40am on Monday, 8 July, 2024, we received a report that there was a disturbance in the Priestfield area of Edinburgh," the spokesperson added: "There were no reports of any serious injuries. Two men were each issued with a Recorded Police Warning."
The hedge owners stated: "We are wanting to enjoy a peaceful retirement but have been intimidated by Mr and Mrs Smith."
The Smiths maintain they are the victims of both inappropriate hedge height and council inaction.
Edinburgh Council has admitted the tree has not been cut back properly despite ruling that it should be.
