BINMEN were greeted by dozens of discarded pines when they arrived for their weekly collections in Edinburgh's New Town yesterday.

It was among the cities and towns across Scotland to be deluged with unwanted Christmas trees as the country returned to work.

While some revellers eked out the festive season until yesterday, most residents had taken down their tinsel at the weekend. City of Edinburgh councillor, Lesley Hinds, Environment Convener, said: "People can ensure their real Christmas tree is recycled."

Picture: Gordon Terris