A local councillor has pledged that enthusiasm for a community based orchard in Muir of Ord will continue despite vandals damaging it.
Angela MacLean was among dozens of volunteers which helped to plant trees as part of a community project by Moo Food, an environmentally conscious community food company in the village.
But just a few weeks later, vandals struck – albeit damaging just one tree.
Mrs MacLean said: “It’s disappointing that there has been damage to some trees the volunteers and Tarradale Primary school pupils planted at the start of the month. We all had a wonderful time creating the orchard and the children were especially looking forward to watching their trees grow and bear fruit over the coming years.
“The excitement in the project won’t be diminished as a result of this thoughtless act and I would ask any member of the public who may know who did this to report it. This is only one of many MOO Food’s projects taking place in Muir of Ord for the benefit of the whole community and some damage was expected at the start but the work will continue to provide free food for the village.”
The MOO Incredible Edible project was awarded £9900 from the Highland Council Carbon Clever fund.
Pupils of Tarradale Primary School planted mix of 50 trees alongside 30 participants from the community.
The incident has been reported to Police with inquiries still ongoing.
A spokesman from Police Scotland said: “The incident was reported to Police Scotland and investigations are on-going. Anyone with information should contact 101.”
