Probe after vandals torch golf course Firebugs damage large areas of rough
Police have launched an investigation after vandals set fire to a golf course.
The firebugs struck at Fereneze Golf Course in Barrhead on Monday night, causing extensive damage to some sections.
Fire crews were forced to use beaters to tackle the blaze after smoke was spotted billowing from the site from miles around.
Fereneze course manager Kevin Wilson says that a patch of heavy rough around 100 meters in length was set alight deliberately.
He said: “The area is black. It is really unsightly and we think it was done on purpose. It’s an area of yellow gorse and purple heather on the 11th hole.
“It’s quite a large area and it is now completely black. There is another patch on the fourth hole which is much smaller, but it is the same, black.
“That’s what makes us think that it was deliberate.”
Mr Wilson confirmed that the Barrhead course had been targeted previously by firebugs.
He went on: “Young folk come up here at night and have caused problems. There is obviously right of access here, which means anyone can come up.”
Recent dry weather helped the fire spread quickly, and Mr Wilson fears that it could take only a small spark to reignite the fire.
He added: “The ground is tinder dry at the moment. We know that it could just take one little spark to get it going again.
“We fear they will come back to finish the job.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “At 9.26pm on Monday, May 8, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to reports of a wildfire at Fereneze Golf Course, Barrhead.
“Three pumps were mobilised and firefighters used beaters to tackle the flames.
“Crews left the scene after ensuring the area had been made safe.”
Fearing the blaze was set deliberately, staff at the club alerted the police who have launched an investigation
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “A report has been made to police regarding fire damage at the golf course and officers will be attending to gather more details on this matter.” Schoolkids at one Paisley primary school are getting an exciting glimpse into their future.
Pupils at Gallowhill Primary took part in a Week of Work programme which gave them a chance to learn all about different jobs.
Here is pupil Lewis McCann working with janitor Tom Downs – check out tomorrow’s Express for more great pictures.