The future of a Perth timber business is hanging in the balance following a suspected fire-raising attack.
Father and son Martin and Steven Laing have been left “devastated” after a vital piece of forestry equipment was destroyed in a fire.
Firefighters were called out to their base at Bertha Park Farm in the early hours of Monday, following reports of a blaze.
Two appliances from Perth arrived at the scene just after midnight to find a forwarder well alight.
Although they spent more than an hour tackling the flames, the vehicle was completely burnt out and the company has been left counting the cost.
Steven, who set up Logsnstuff with his father eight years ago, told The Courier they now face a battle to keep the enterprise going.
The vehicle, a Rottne SMV Rapid Forwarder, could cost at least £80,000 to replace and the firm is unable to take on any new contracts without it.
“I’m not sure how we are going to carry on at the moment,” he said. “The vehicle was pretty integral to the business because it carried all the wood up for processing.
“We have enough logs to carry us through the coming season but by the time we’ve paid the bills, there won’t be enough to buy a new machine.
“It’s quite a big shock and I don’t know what we’re going to do.”
Mr Laing said that just hours before the fire, he spotted two people walking near the business premises. He did not challenge them, however, as the area is often used by anglers heading to the nearby Bertha Loch.
After spotting damage to the tyres of the vehicle, Mr Laing is convinced the timber contracting firm has been targeted by fireraisers.
“The tractor has been broken down for three weeks so I know that something couldn’t have gone wrong,” he added.
A police spokesman confirmed that inquiries are ongoing, to establish if the fire was started deliberately.
Anyone who has any information is asked to telephone 101 or talk to any police officer.