“VANDALS” targeting historic trees beside the River Tyne might actually be East Lothian Council.

A sheet of A4 paper was attached to a tree at the end of The Sands in Haddington this week.

The “public alert” reads: “Vandals have been screwing inscribed plaques to these beautiful trees, defacing and damaging them.

“If you witness anyone doing this, or discover a plaque, please phone the police on 101.

“Thank you for your co-operation.

“Posted by concerned Haddington residents.”

READ MORE: Historic trees and connection with business could be recognised

However, a spokesperson for the council thought that the notice could relate to the TreeTime East Lothian initiative.

They said: "The council has been working with Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust on an initiative enabling more trees to be planted locally with a focus on improving biodiversity.

"This provides donors with the opportunity to either sponsor an existing tree or pay for a new tree to be planted.

"A personalised, commemorative plaque is placed on the tree in recognition of this.”

Four years ago, a plaque was put up near the nine lime trees on the western edge of the River Tyne.

It is thought that the trees were planted to recognise nine trades – the baxters, the hammermen, the masons, the wrights, the fleshers, the cordiners, the skinners, the tailors and the wabsters – in Haddington.