Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree - how confined are your branches?

In November, the 15ft fir appeared outside on a traffic island outside the Shed nightclub in the south side of Glasgow.

The tree was not dressed in decorations but surrounded by fencing installed by Glasgow City Council.

Gary Cushway, chairman of Shawlands and Strathbungo Community Council, posted about the tree when it appeared and the #FreeTheTree campaign was born.

After "a rant" at a journalist early last week from Mr Cushway, the tree began to go viral online.

Many others also slammed the council for the measures taken and over the lack of festive spirit in its decision and having no lights or decorations on the display.

Just a day later the tree had its own Twitter account and has since amassed more than 800 followers.

On Saturday night, the community council issued a Facebook post updating locals about the tree and the stir it had since caused.

The post explained the reasoning behind the fencing (Heras being a company which provides the equipment) with vandalism and personal safety risks being mooted.

Lights had been added to the tree but this meant the mains electricity was left exposed and deemed a risk to anyone attempting to climb the fence.

The statement continued: "This risk is heightened over the weekends when the area is busy with people enjoying themselves at many of the night time venues in the area, especially over the festive period.

"Local residents will be aware of the kind of antisocial behaviour that the fence has been installed to prevent, as this is something that many residents have to deal with year round as Shawlands increasingly becomes a place promoted for its night-time economy.

"Issues such as noise, litter, fighting, damage to property, people urinating and the general detritus left behind the following morning.

" Unfortunately this means that the safety of the tree at night time has been prioritised over the visual appearance for residents, especially the many young families in the area, throughout the day.

"A recent survey of residents showed support for the night time venues in the area but also concerns over the effect this can have for residents they share the area with.

"What is clear is that there needs to be efforts made by the venues, their clientele, the Glasgow Licensing Board and police to strike a better balance between the benefits of the night-time economy while creating a safe and desirable environment for residents to live in, especially those with children."

The fencing did not stop locals gathering to subsequently help decorate the fence, which caught the attention of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who represents the area.

On Monday, a spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: "The Christmas tree in Shawlands had Heras fencing installed around it by our contractors for safety reasons and also to ensure lights are not pulled off, as has happened on occasion in some locations."

Mr Cushway said: "I contacted the council earlier today to consider whether, in light of the attention the plight of our Christmas tree has got in the local community and online, they would look again at whether a more attractive fence could be installed before the weekend.

"I've not heard anything back yet so as it stands the tree is stuck for now with its now decorated Heras fence."

Residents had not been dispelled by the lack of progress in the fence's removal with discussions about a carol concert being organised nearer Christmas Day.

Many across Scotland have also taken to Twitter with the hashtag to convey their sympathies and show it is a widespread problem even outwith Glasgow's south side.

So how does it compare in other areas?