Police are continuing to carry out inquiries after several boats and a boathouse were set alight at Cove Harbour in Aberdeen at the weekend.
Emergency services were contacted just before 3am on Sunday morning and following enquiries at the scene carried out in conjunction with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the incident is being treated at suspicious.
Additional patrols are being carried out along the coast, with extensive inquiries ongoing to identify who is responsible.
Detective Inspector Norman Stevenson said: “We continue to appeal to anyone with information about this incident to get in touch as soon as possible as our inquiries continue.
“This malicious act has deeply affected the fishermen whose livelihoods have also no doubt been affected, and I can’t begin to stress just how disappointing this is.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 101 quoting ref. no. CF0003930119 or alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
“In particular did you see any vehicles leaving the Harbour area around the time in question on Sunday morning? Or did you see any suspicious activity in the Old Cove area?”
DI Stevenson added: “We also continue to carry out enquiries into a fire-raising and vandalisms at the site of the Aberdeen Harbour expansion.
“I appreciate the similarities of both incidents and the close proximity, however we need to keep an open mind as to whether they are linked.
“In the meantime additional patrols are being dedicated to both areas to help prevent any similar incidents from occurring.”
Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr commented on the matter: “This has plainly had a major effect on local fishermen and the community around Cove Harbour.
“The impact of that damage is hard to quantify for local fishing. Livelihoods are at risk.
“If any culprits are found, I expect them to be dealt with accordingly.”
