Scothedge, Hedgeline Scotland

Hedgeline's Campaign for Fair Hedge Legislation in Scotland

Current legislative position | History of campaign | | What you can do to help | Contact addresses

cothedge is the branch of Hedgeline whose specific concern is with securing fairer hedge legislation in Scotland. It is in all other respects a part of the parent body. Joining Scothedge is through Hedgeline central administration. See contact addresses.
The general campaign, in which Scottish members have taken an active part from the outset, has influenced thinking in the Scots Parliament as well as in Westminster. Hedgeline is a large organisation and expects to remain supportive of its Scots members until they get their legislation.

The Current Legislative Position in Scotland, Spring 2005

Scots hedge legislation is being dealt with quite separately in the Scots Parliament. The legislative process is now, at last, well under way. A consultation on the Scottish legislation started on 20th May 2005, but, since then there have been severe delays. For up-to-date details please see our Scots Campaign Leader's Website at -

The Tyranny of Nuisance Hedges in Scotland

What you can do to help

Background information

The Westminster Government has introduced legislation under its Anti Social Behaviour Bill. which successfully passed through Parliament on 20th November 2003. This will give local authorities powers to deal with evergreen nuisance hedges that are over 2 metres (6ft 6ins) in height and which adversely affect a neighbour's property.

The Scottish Parliamentary process differs from the Westminster process. There is a preparatory consultancy period in collaboration with the Scottish Executive. The aim is to secure a draft bill which might be expected to satisfy the constraints of the Executive policy. The bill is then presented to the Parliament and debated through to a vote which if successful enables the bill to be passed and then undergo a further consultancy stage. Unlike the Westminster system there is no opportunity for a single or minority group of MSPs to wreck a bill by filibuster or wrecking amendment.

Contents of this page | Links to other pages

Short History of Hedgeline's campaign in Scotland

Scott Barrie, Dunfermline West MSP, first introduced his hedge bill into the Scots Parliament in 2000. A consultancy paper followed in the same year. Jim Wallace, deputy First Minister, responded to a question from Scott Barrie, in 2001:

"We have accordingly decided in principle that a statutory remedy is required"

Regretably the initiative failed as it ran out of time.

In May 2002, Hedgeline Scottish Representatives, Pam and James, presented the case for legislation to the Petitions Committee of the Scottish Parliament receiving a very sympathetic response and an undertaking to advance the need for legislation to the Scottish Executive.

The executive responded to the effect that the matter would receive no priority before the May 2003 election. The Petitions Committee reviewed the status of the petition and responded ;

"In any case, if we keep the petition open and nothing happens in the next session, we can ensure that something is done. Are we all agreed to do that?"

Members of the Committee gave their support by indicating agreement.

Scott Barrie re-introduced his High Hedges (Scotland) Bill in September 03. It quickly qualified for formal presentation through the support of 26 MSPs within a few days of its proposal by Dunfermline West MSP Scott Barrie, There was strong cross party support and Andy Kerr MSP, Minister for Finance and Public Services, on behalf of the Executive assured Scott that he will assist in making sure that the proposed Bill is passed into law.

In 2006, the campaign in the Scottish Parliament is still continuing.

The Campaign | Scothedge contact addresses

Hedgeline Parent Site

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