Branches were cut from blossoming cherry trees outside the Brunton Hall in Musselburgh, attracting complaints from the public.

People took to social media to vent their annoyance at what happened this week.

One person said: "Why are they doing that??? Great for our bees at this time of year."

Another posted: "The blossom is here for such a short time, it’s madness!"

"I passed there and commented how beautiful they are!" added another.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson told the Courier: "It was necessary to carry out some crown reduction work on these trees as they were encroaching towards the building and footpaths. One was also preventing access to a gully on the road. The trees remain in place and are a valued part of the streetscape."