A junior football team has handed over £1,000 to a north-east primary school which was devastated by vandals.
Intruders allegedly caused more than £20,000 of damage after gaining entry to Markethill Primary School in Turriff between November 18 and 20. Five people have subsequently been charged in connection with the incident.
Now, members of Turriff United Youth FC have donated a four-figure sum to head teacher Fiona McRitchie to help the clear-up effort.
Last night, club secretary Gina McPherson said: “The majority of kids in our club go to Markethill, so we wanted to do something to help.
“We do fundraising throughout the year so we are handing over some of that.”
Markethill Primary School was closed for two days while police forensics experts examined the scene and school staff tidied the damage.
Items throughout the building were damaged – including school projects and electrical equipment – but, most poignantly, the school’s stained glass window was smashed.
Pupils had intended to move the historic display to the town’s new primary school next year.
Ms McRitchie added: “The school has been overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity of the community.
“The mindless vandalism has caused significant damage, especially to our stained glass window.
“But Turriff United have been very supportive and I thank them on behalf of the school for the generous donation, which will go some way to helping the school to blossom again.”
