Glasgow couple look to bring festive cheer with sustainable Christmas trees

Anna Mackay and Sammy Hayman established The Festive Forest earlier this year with a view to selling Christmas Trees to residents in Glasgow.

The couple started the business venture after moving back to Glasgow due to the pandemic having to put on hold careers in the film and events industries in London.

The couple have partnered with two charities Spirit Aid and Tree Aid who will benefit from a percentage of each tree sold.

Originally The Festive Forest had intended to sell the trees directly to customers and have been in discussions with Glasgow City Council about using Shawlands Civic Square.

A decision has yet to be made on their application and with Tier 4 restrictions introduced to Glasgow on Friday 20th November.

While they await the outcome they will operate out of the Oran Mor in the West End of Glasgow between 10am and 5pm and channel focus on online sales.

Anna Mackay, Director, The Festive Forest, said: “As lockdown descended upon the UK, we both felt it was the right time to move back to Glasgow due to the fact we could be closer to family. We had seen both industries collapse where we had previous work – the film industry and events industry.”

“We have fond memories of selecting our Christmas Tree as a family each winter; racing to find the perfect tree and struggling to carry it home!

“We feel this pastime has long been forgotten which is why we founded The Festive Forest to reawaken family traditions and spark some festive joy into our living rooms this winter!

“Community and sustainability is at the heart of the business, that’s why we are partnered with two charities: Spirit Aid and Tree Aid. Both of these charities benefit when somebody buys a tree from us.”

“Our partnership with Spirit Aid will see profits donated towards the Christmas Hamper Appeal. This money will go to families feeling hardship this winter in Glasgow and the surrounding areas, providing families with food, toys and goods that they normally wouldn’t see at Christmas time.

“We are also keen that our venture is sustainable. That’s why we have partnered with Tree Aid. As well as receiving donations from our profits, we have also committed to plant one tree in Africa for each tree we sell.”

Sammy Hayman, Director, The Festive Forest, said: “I had worked in the Christmas Tree business for a few years down in London and wanted to open by own business for a while. I feel the family aspect had been taken out of going to choose your selected tree and carry it home and I really wanted to bring it back.

“There has been a lot of doom and gloom this year due to the current situation and believe our idea would help bring back the magic of Christmas to the heart of our local community.

“Unfortunately, we have been delayed in bringing that forward in the manner we would’ve liked to due to the current restrictions, however, we remain determined to do so once possible and will continue to operate temporarily at the Oran Mor in the West End and through online sales across Glasgow and the central belt.”

Patrick Rolink, General Manager, Spirit Aid, said: “We are delighted to announce that we have secured a long-term partnership with The Festive Forest which will do really great things for our Christmas Hamper appeal, providing children with toys that they wouldn’t usually have. Many thanks to The Festive Forest.”

The Festive Forest are currently operating online sales with Christmas trees and other goods are available to purchase now from the Festive Forest website