A north-east museum has issued a warning to young people after damage was caused to one of its properties.
Fraserburgh’s Museum of Scottish Lighthouses maintains the historic structures of Kinnaird Head Lighthouse, the Wine Tower and a massive fog horn overlooking the North Sea.
But staff at the museum have had to warn youngsters that the structures are not toys after fencing near the fog horn, which is out of service, was damaged and the horn itself used as a climbing frame.
Historic Scotland, which owns the land, now faces paying out to have the fence repaired.
A spokesman for the museum said that unauthorised access to Kinnaird Head has been on the rise in recent weeks as the days get longer heading into summer.
“Normally this is achieved without causing damage to the site, but it seems that has now changed,” he added.
“The fog horn is fenced off for a reason. Not only is it being preserved as part of our lighthouse heritage, it is also a potential danger. As it is not intended for public access, there are no safety features. For those climbing it this means a steep 20ft-plus drop from the ladder onto a concrete landing.
“Although we are thrilled young people take an interest in lighthouse heritage, we urge local people to advise young people of the dangers of climbing the fog horn.”
It is not the first time vandals have targeted the museum.
Windows were regularly smashed on out buildings and the museum itself during previous summers before CCTV cameras were fitted to the building.
In one attack an engine room was raided by vandals.
In another, windows of the museum’s cafe had to be replaced after they were pelted by what was believed to be an air gun.
