Cruden Bay vandals slammed

Vandals targeted planters in a Buchan village in a rampage that could damage the community’s In Bloom hopes.

Those responsible roamed the streets of Cruden Bay over the weekend to destroy about a dozen floral displays.

Begonias and geraniums were ripped out of their containers and the half barrels and pots they were being kept in were smashed.

Now the search is on for those responsible with the incident having been reported to the police.

The flowers had been planted by and cared for by the Cruden Bay Horticultural Society.

The group’s secretary, Anne MacKenzie, slammed those responsible for the “wanton” vandalism. She

“It is just so disappointing for everyone in the village”

said the damage was a blow to residents but said they would not be deterred. She said: “It is just so disappointing for everyone in the village.

“This was not just somebody giving them the odd kick on the way up the road. This was deliberate and wanton vandalism and it will not be cheap to replace all the plants.”

Ms MacKenzie said it would not put off the army of volunteers responsible for trying to keep the plants watered and looking their best from continuing to brighten up their village.

Aberdeenshire Council has previously donated plants to the society but it has turned to local businesses for help to replenish the planters over the coming weeks.

Ms MacKenzie added: “We enter Buchan in Bloom and we take pride in what we do. We are planning to approach local businesses for new plants. We are not going to be defeated by this.”