Police are hunting for vandals who smashed a window at a Ross-shire community centre used by Girl Guides and Brownies.
Last night the chairwoman of Tain community hall’s committee condemned a group of unidentified youths whose actions resulted in shards of glass flying to within 3ft of people sitting inside.
The incident happened at about 9.15pm on Wednesday at the Gower Street building while consultants gathered there for a product launch from a local make-up artist.
A police spokesman said that the youths were banging on the hall building prior to the glass being smashed. He added that no one was hurt as a result of incident.
However, girl groups such as Guides, Brownies and Rainbows, aged between five and 16, use the hall four nights a week and have been inside before when the youths have struck.
Windows have also been smashed and graffiti sprayed on the building in the past.
Despite perspex being fitted on top of the windows last year, the youths still managed to break the inner pane of glass.
The window has since been boarded up and will cost about £300 to replace.
Community Hall chairwoman and Girl Guide leader Nicky Boyd said: “The glass was sent flying about three yards in length and came within 3ft of hitting someone.
“If there had been girls there it could have been very dangerous. It is the holidays and there could have been a meeting on or an organised sleep-over.
“It is very frustrating and disappointing. We are a completely voluntary organisation and the whole thing is run by fundraising and donations and if anyone has information we would be most grateful. It would be nice to make the people responsible pay for what they have done.”
A police spokesman said: “Officers would urge that anyone with information about the incident please contact police on 101, or alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”