Oatridge College students help rescue historic orchard at Smeaton estate in East Lothian

The students from Oatridge College, West Lothian, pruned more than 100 trees on the Smeaton estate, near East Linton in East Lothian.

Their college answered a call for help from the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, which supervised the massive pruning operation recently.

The estate was created almost 500 years ago and was owned by prominent farmer and arborist George Gray from 1934 until his death, aged 88, last year.

Elspeth Ross, a horticulture lecturer at Oatridge College, said the trees had been badly neglected in recent years.

"But the students, under the guidance of David Sinclair from the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, completed major renovation work."

Oatridge College became involved in the project after its horticultural team leader Ann Burns was contacted by the society and Gardening Scotland.

The students are studying for certificates in horticulture or landscape construction and higher national certificates in horticulture and landscape management.

Oatridge College principal David James said: "Real-life projects like this give students invaluable experience and pride in doing something that benefits our community."