Police in Stonehaven are appealing for information following a wilful fireraising incident near to building work ongoing at Ury Estate.
At approximately 9pm on Monday bales of straw were found to be alight in a field close to Ury House, which is currently undergoing extensive renovation work.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended and quickly extinguished the small blaze.
Shortly before the fire was discovered, two youths were seen on the roof of Ury House. They were then seen climbing down scaffolding before making off through nearby woodland.
Officers are treating the two incidents as linked.
Investigating officer PC Steven Inglis said: “There are always hazards when entering a building site, however climbing onto the roof of a building undergoing major refurbishment is highly dangerous which could have led to a very serious accident.
“Also acts of wilful fire raising are hugely reckless and dangerous.
“Had the fire not been discovered as quickly as it did, the fire could have quickly spread to Ury House and other buildings. Damage to other people’s property, including the farmer’s bales, shows a complete disregard for other people’s property.
“Enquiries are ongoing into this incident and I would strongly urge anyone who may have information on this incident, including parents of those involved, to get in touch with officers as soon as possible.”