Vandals have been branded “mindless” for smashing up five wooden benches at an Elgin beauty spot.
The culprits are believed to have used a sledgehammer or a similar weapon to break the seats at Oak Wood, which had been cemented into the ground.
The woods are a popular spot for cyclists and older people who enjoy the peace and quiet of the sheltered location and the scenic views.
But vandals targeted the spot over the weekend, smashing up the benches and throwing the planks of wood into the bushes.
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Locals last night hit out at the culprits, and said they feared the benches – which were paid for by the now defunct Quarrelwood Association about 15 years ago – will not be replaced.
Eric Marriott said: “These benches were quite sturdy and were worth about £120 when they were put in and were strategically placed all along the woods.
“Over the weekend we discovered three and our neighbours discovered two more seats totally destroyed. If you look at the construction of the seats, it’s impossible to have done it with your bare hands so someone has been at them with either a sledgehammer or something else.
“It is indescribable and completely mindless vandalism. It will take a lot of pleasure from a lot of people as you can park your car, have a wee wander and there would be three seats aligned but now they are gone.”
The police have yet to be contacted about the incident, which is thought to have taken place at some point between Friday night and Sunday morning.
Each of the five benches were situated at different places in the two-mile long forest that sits on the edge of Elgin beside Eight Acres Hotel.
Mr Marriott added: “It’s a really sad state of affairs that someone would come into the woodlands and just destroy it for no reason at all.
“No one has got any money to replace the benches so they are gone, it is almost like someone has come in here with a raging temper and decided to smash these seats up.”
“It’s a unique place, secluded so why would someone want to destroy it?”
Elgin Community Council chairman Alastair Kennedy described it as “sickening”.
He said: “I’m appalled at this and the fact people have spoiled this for the users of the woods.
“It is sickening that all the good work that has went into those benches has now been destroyed and it really beggars belief.
“Hopefully someone knows something that can help find the culprits.”
