Proprietors of a Kirkcaldy pub say they will not be cowed by callous vandals who have struck their business three times in the space of a week.
Mindless thugs have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the Kirk and Bear, which re-opened at the harbour end of the High Street under new management two months ago.
Despite the setbacks and what appears to be a targeted campaign of vandalism towards the pub, its resilient owners remain defiant and have urged members of the public to come forward if they know who the culprits are.
A square steel drain cover was used to break one of several windows during the separate incidents between November 21 and 28.
Blue and black paint was thrown against a door and a racial slur daubed on the property in the latest incident late on Tuesday night.
Police are investigating but new owner Michelle Dryburgh is continuing with business as usual.
“We’re absolutely gutted but we will not be forced out,” said bar manager Asif Mahmood.
“We’ve had to pay for the windows but obviously it affects insurance premiums and things like that, so it’s something we can do without.
“We’ve got a really nice place here but we don’t know who could have done this – after the first time you think ‘these things happen’, but after the third time you start thinking ‘someone really doesn’t like us’.
>> Keep up to date with the latest news with The Courier newsletter
“We just feel gutted because when we came in here we had no electricity, no gas, nothing at all really, and we’ve done everything from scratch.
“Just as we get everything up and running and have a focus, this happens.”
Paint footprints suggest the culprits ran in the direction of Dunnikier Road and left in a vehicle.
The pub’s owners said they have also had a break-in to their kitchen in recent weeks and it comes after a number of other premises in the area were targeted.
Society nightclub was subject to a break-in attempt earlier this month and police are also investigating a break-in at the Fife Ice Arena in Rosslyn Street, which was entered at 3.35am on Wednesday with items stolen.
It is not thought the incidents are linked at this stage, but officers are not ruling anything in or out at the moment.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police in Fife are investigating three reports of vandalism relating to a business premises in the High Street area of Kirkcaldy.
“The first incident was reported around 9.25am on Wednesday November 21 when three windows were damaged.
“The second was reported around 1.20am on Monday November 26 when a window was damaged and a third incident was reported around 8.45 am on Wednesday November 28 when a door and a window were damaged.
“Inquiries are ongoing and officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious around the time of the incidents to contact Police Scotland on 101 or make an anonymous call to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
