Dismay over school vandalism attacks
Sadness and upset has been expressed following vandalism at a Perthshire primary school.
Police Scotland are said to be investigating after the Kirkmichael Primary School playground was damaged on at least one occasion last week.
Various items were targeted – including the greenhouse and nursery playhouse – while others were left strewn around the area outside the main school building.
Craig Loudon, the school’s head teacher, encouraged anyone with information in terms of who was responsible to get in touch.
Mr Loudon also thanked the community for its support since the incident came to light and revealed enhanced security measures could be introduced at the school in the future.
In a statement, he said: “I am saddened to confirm that the school playground was badly vandalised, most likely on Tuesday, July 6, and possibly again on Wednesday, July 7.
“Various padlocks and bolts were damaged beyond repair, the greenhouse was raided, a window was broken in the nursery playhouse, and play equipment and bikes were taken out of various containers and left all around the playground.
“The incidents have been reported to police and they will be investigating. If anyone saw anything please contact me on kirkmichael@pkc.gov.uk.”
Mr Loudon continued: “Also, can I ask anyone in the village, particularly in the holidays and at weekends, to keep eyes and ears open when out and about?
“I am extremely grateful to the parents and members of staff who alerted me to the damage and helped tidy up.
“We will look at installing security cameras and signs in the school grounds.
“It is sad that we are having to consider this in such a lovely rural village.”
Blairgowrie and Glens councillor Caroline Shiers is convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s lifelong learning committee, which oversees education locally.
The Conservative elected member said: “I was really upset to hear about the vandalism at Kirkmichael.
“Any time I have visited the school I am always struck by how proud everyone at the school is of their outside spaces and I know that the parent council has raised funds with the school to purchase equipment and keep it all looking so great.
“I understand the police are conducting investigations and I would encourage anyone with any information to dial 101.”
Fellow Conservative elected member Cllr Bob Brawn discussed the matter during an online meeting with Police Scotland on Monday morning
He said: “This is not something you would expect in a quiet village and is upsetting news for the community as a whole, but especially for those who work at the school and the children who go there.
“The police are aware of the incident and ongoing enquiries will be made.
“I would ask anyone who has any information to come forward and contact the police as soon as possible so those responsible can be brought to book.”
Police Scotland can be contacted on the non-emergency number, 101.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.