Pontoon damaged by vandal spree

Police are hunting vandals who deliberately unhooked a pontoon on the River Tay in Perth.

The boarding point - which has been created to help boost river traffic and tourism in the area - was set free in an incident between this Sunday and Monday.

Officers say the pontoon was allowed to float away and have appealed for the public to come forward with information.

The crime took place between 6pm on Sunday and 11 am on Monday.

The site was formed in autumn 2016 and is part of a network which has been created with support from Perth and Kinross Council and consent from landowners and agencies.

Other locations include Elcho Castle and Willowgate Fishery outside Perth.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds is being invested in the pontoons and riverside project.

Together, the pontoons are expected to have long-term benefits with the potential for river cruises connecting Dundee, Newburgh and Perth. The Tay Street site is said to be the furthest navigable point.

Access to the pontoon, which is opposite the Fergusson Gallery at the corner of Marshall Place and Tay Street, has been fenced off. Vandals have also scrawled offensive terms over the access fencing.

A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council confirmed it was aware of the damage at the pontoon. They said: “As the site is currently in the hands of the contractor, they will rectify any damage.”

Officers are also looking to trace those responsible for damaging the nearby SOS station on Tay Street. Despite being there to potentially save the lives of people in difficulty in the River Tay the lines and buoys frequently have to be replaced because of malicious damage.