A fund set up to help a farmer who had straw bales torched in a deliberate blaze has almost doubled its target in less than 24 hours.
Louise Nicoll, of Newton of Fothringham Farm near Inverarity, was targeted by firebugs who defied the lockdown to start the fire on Tuesday evening.
Although bales can combust when their core temperature rises, the bales were burning “from the outside inwards”, according to Ms Nicoll.
Wellwishers donated to a fund to help her replace the lost bales.
An initial target of just £300 was raised within hours and the total now stands at nearly £600.
Organiser Jayden Murray wrote: “Unfortunately today some very immature people set light to the bales at Newton Farm Holidays. These were to be used to provide a warm and safe home for the animals and their new arrivals on the farm.
“At this very busy and tiring time for them, this was the last thing the needed. Regardless of what’s going on in the world right now these guys are working extremely hard while they can to make sure they can still provide for us as well as make sure that their animals are safe.”
A fire engine from Dundee attended the fire after it broke out at around 5.30pm.
