NEARLY 7000 trees and shrubs at a park in Inverness will have to be replaced less than a year after being planted as they have failed to grow.

The trees had been planted at Inshes District Park, the first public park to be created in the city for decades.

The £600,000 contract for the construction of phase one of the park was awarded to Hunter Construction (Aberdeen) Ltd, who subcontracted the landscaping work which included the planting of 8000 trees and plants. However, 6934 are being pulled up and replaced.

Under the terms of the contract they will now be replaced by older plants of the same species. The cost is expected to run to thousands of pounds but will be met by the contractor.

Local councillor Ken Gowans said: "There is no financial impact on the council. This is for the sub-contractor to rectify."