A bug hotel and two picnic benches at Carnoustie’s Barry Mill have been destroyed after they were set on fire by suspected vandals.
The fire, which was reported to police on Thursday, is believed to have been started by a group of youths on Monday night.
According to the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) – who own and operate Barry Mill – teen groups have regularly been gathering at the beauty spot and causing chaos.
Staff report seeing “clear evidence” of youths drinking and taking drugs at the popular green space.
Bug hotel only added to trail last year
Earlier this month, a group of 12-year-olds destroyed the site’s toilet facilities – and now two picnic benches and an insect box have been burned to the ground.
A post made to the Barry Mill Facebook page states: “Vandals have burnt and destroyed the bug hotel along with two picnic benches.
“The bug hotel was a new feature added just last year to the children’s nature trail at Barry Mill.
“We are seeing an increase in antisocial behaviour from groups of teenagers often after hours, often of school age, leaving a mess along with clear evidence of alcohol and drugs involved.
“We know that this problem is the caused by few who are spoiling the enjoyment for the many.
“We appeal to parents and to the community to help us control these issues.
“We want the community to enjoy our picnic areas and we know that we have many supporters.”
Deliberate fires at Barry Mill branded ‘reckless’
The NTS have now reported the incident to police.
A spokesperson for the organisation said: “We’re sad to confirm that there was a fire raising incident in the grounds of the historic Barry Mill last Monday evening.
“A number of youths were involved and two benches and an insect box were destroyed.
“The matter has been reported to the police and is the culmination of several incidents over the last few weeks.
“We deplore this reckless behaviour, which means we have expend precious charitable funds to deal with the damage rather than for the conservation purposes they were intended for.
“We hope that the local community can aid the police in tracing those responsible.”
A police spokesperson confirmed that officers are aware of the damage.
No arrests have been made.
