A massive fundraising campaign has been launched to help a school trashed by vandals.
Markethill Primary School in Turriff was closed for two days after vandals went on a rampage over the weekend, smashing windows and electrical equipment and even egging the walls.
Police yesterday confirmed two teenagers had been charged in connection with the incident.
And now, big-hearted locals have rallied together to undo some of £20,000 worth of damage – with hundreds of pounds flooding in within the first 24 hours.
Highland League side Turriff United, along with its supporters club and women and juniors team, are aiming to raise £5,000 for repairs.
And Turriff mum Philippa Macken has launched a separate fundraiser, with the mission of replacing the school’s “centrepiece” stained glass window, which was broken into pieces.
It had been hoped the window would have been installed in the town’s new school when it is completed next year.
On Turriff Utd’s fundraising page, the club said they were “disgusted” by the mindless vandalism, adding: “It is beyond comprehension what would possess anyone to do this to a local community school and deprive the pupils of the education they deserve.”
Last night, club secretary Gairn Ritchie said they had received offers of additional help from other sporting organisations across the north-east – from donations to signed shirts and memorabilia.
“Everyone in the community has been shocked by what’s happened,” he added.
“We thought we would see if we could raise some money for them. The school – like the football – is a very important part of the community.
“In a small place like Turriff it’s very, very rare for things like this to happen, so people are angry and want to do something about it to help.”
The culprits struck at the school between Friday and Sunday, smashing interior windows, trophy cabinets and overhead projects and even pupils’ artwork.
They overturned chairs and desks, pulled gym equipment from the cupboards and threw egg and flour over the kitchen.
A 14-year-old girl and 18-year-old man have been reported to the procurator fiscal.
Detective Sergeant George Nixon said last night that inquiries were ongoing.
He added: “I would like to thank the local community for all assistance and information provided during our investigation, and for your patience while necessary inquiries were carried out at the school.”
Community councillor Mike Rawlins welcomed the news that police were progressing with their investigation.
Praising the efforts of local people pulling together, Mr Rawlins said: “People are generally very pleased that the community has come together to work with the police, and the police have been able to ultimately charge people with offences related to the vandalism at the school.
“It’s great that people have felt sufficiently moved by the unfortunate incident over the weekend to also start fundraising.”
He also hailed staff at Markethill for working “tirelessly” to ensure that youngsters did not miss further days of school.
An Aberdeenshire Council spokeswoman said: “The head teacher and staff are very grateful to Police Scotland for their support in investigating the matter.”
Turriff councillor Sandy Duncan said he was “disgusted” by the attack.
He added: “To totally trash the school and break the stained-glass window is just utter mindless vandalism.
“I find it difficult to understand what enjoyment anyone could derive from such destruction.”
To support the community’s fundraising efforts, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Markethillprimary or www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/MarkethillPrimarySchool
