A pensioner has blamed “vandalism” after her car was destroyed in a fire outside her Inverness home.
Hilda Gordon’s prized red Vauxhall Corsa was completely burned out in the blaze in the early hours of Monday morning.
The car was a gift from the 72-year-old’s late husband.
Police are now investigating the incident and have urged any witnesses to make contact.
Emergency services were alerted to the incident on Oldtown Road in the Hilton area of the city at about 3.30am on Monday.
Fire crews and police attended and the vehicle was extinguished – but not before it had been extensively damaged by the fierce blaze.
No other property was damaged and nobody was injured as a result of the fire.
Residents in the area reported hearing loud “bangs” as the fire took hold.
Mrs Gordon was woken by a phone call from a neighbour telling her that her car was on fire.
Yesterday, she said: “The shock has only just caught up with me today.
“I just got on with things yesterday.”
She said she had previously had her tyres damaged on her car and blamed “vandals” for destroying the vehicle.
She said firefighters at the scene indicated the fire appeared to have started deliberately.
Mrs Gordon said: “Hilton is a really great community, everyone has been really good to me.
“It’s a shame because there’s always people who do bad things. It’s not what Hilton is really like.
“I’m upset by it now and I’m really sorry for all the people who were disturbed.”
The car was removed just hours after the fire was reported.
All that could be seen yesterday was black marks on the road and some damaged glass.
A police spokeswoman said: “Fortunately, no-one was injured and no other property was damaged during the incident.
“As part on ongoing inquiries, officers are appealing to anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area in the early hours of yesterday to make contact.
“Anyone who hasn’t already been in touch with police is urged to phone 101 or leave information via Crimestoppers if you would prefer to remain anonymous.”
