Pupils and staff at a north-east primary school have been left “heartbroken” by vandals who ripped up newly planted trees.
A row of two dozen saplings at Clerkhill School, Peterhead were pulled out of the ground over the weekend.
The Clerkhill Parent and School Association (PSA) has criticised those responsible and revealed they also tried to remove other items from an outdoor learning area.
A dismayed spokesperson said in a statement: “Once again vandals have destroyed items within school grounds.
“So much time and effort goes into trying to make the outdoor areas better.
“These trees were planted just a week or so ago and we know that they have also tried to remove other items newly added to the outdoor learning area.
“Hopefully they will soon tire of destroying everyone’s hard work.”
The spokesperson said the PSA was “working hard” to raise funds to start adding playground equipment “that can’t be destroyed and adds more fun to break times”.
Peterhead South and Cruden councillor Alan Fakley said the incident was “particularly depressing” in light of the fundraising, which has already paid for improvements such as the trees,
He said: “I am deeply frustrated with the vandalism at Clerkhill Primary School.
The school staff, parents and children worked very hard to provide a positive learning environment.
“This incident is particularly depressing as a local fitness group has just raised hundreds of pounds to donate to the school funds.
“I urge anyone with details of these people to pass them onto to the authorities.”
Councillor Stephen Calder, Mr Fakley’s ward colleague, said: “It is so disappointing to see vandals destroy these newly planted trees.
“So much time and effort has been put into improving the appearance of the area round the school.
“The teachers, staff, parents and pupils all take a great pride in their school and it is heart-breaking to see their work destroyed like this.”
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said: “We are disappointed to hear of this act of vandalism.
“We would encourage anyone who has information to come forward.”
