A bus was vandalised in a remote part of Skye at the weekend after being sprayed with graffiti – and a fire extinguisher was stolen from inside the vehicle.
Police are appealing to the public for information after the Stagecoach bus was targeted while parked at a cemetery lay-by in Dunvegan.
The statement added: “A fire extinguisher was also taken from the bus.
“Anyone with any information that may be useful should contact Police Scotland on 101 or speak to any police officer. Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
A photograph of the bus issued by police shows the orange and white graffiti lettering on the side of the vehicle outlined with black spray paint.
The graffiti does not appear to carry any offensive meaning and looks more like a “tag” that spray painters use as a signature.
The incident happened between 8pm on Friday and 3.30pm on Sunday, according to a statement issued by the force.
The cost of the damage is unclear as Stagecoach failed to respond with a comment on the incident.
Skye councillor Ronald MacDonald said the act was “simply unacceptable,” adding: “It’s very out of keeping with the local community and the wider community of Skye. I’d be interested to find out if its locals or visitors.
“It’s also a diversion for police because they have got better things to be doing with their time.”
And a Tweet issued yesterday by Lochaber&SkyePolice, alongside another picture of the vandalised bus, stated: “#Dunvegan over the weekend.
“Really?!
“Please let us know who is stupid enough to do this so they can be made to clean it.”
Several comments were also left underneath the police statement on Facebook yesterday.
Most people levelled criticism at the theft of the fire extinguisher, but many also complemented the quality of the spray paint job.
One, Elaine Robertson, said: “Done a good paint job but taking a fire extinguisher off the vehicle now puts that vehicle off the road till it is refitted which means a reduced service in rural areas.”
