Police have hit out at those responsible for starting an early-morning blaze which swept through gorse bushes at one of Scotland’s most famous golf resorts.
Fire crews, police officers and Carnoustie Golf Links Trust general manager Graeme Duncan went to the Burnside course at 1.40am on Thursday, following reports that vandals had deliberately set fire to bushes in eight areas.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the fires before any significant damage was caused to neighbouring greens or fairways but Inspector Kenny Hart, the officer in charge of policing in Carnoustie, said he was saddened by the actions of those responsible.
He said, “The Burnside course at Carnoustie is not only a local treasure but also one that is enjoyed by golfers from across the world.”
Inspector Hart added that many people travel to Carnoustie to play golf while others see the courses on television.
Inspector Hart said that, in just a few months’ time, Carnoustie will play host to the Senior Open Championship and the area’s courses will be the focus of worldwide television audiences.
“Sadly our inquiries so far would indicate that local youths may be responsible.
“I would urge parents to make sure they know what their children are doing at night and to know who they are associating themselves with,” Mr Hart added.
“What might seem like harmless fun to them could have devastating consequences on every level and the stupid, reckless and thoughtless actions of whoever did this could have had major ramifications.
Mr Duncan said, “There has not been a significant amount of damage caused and there will be no disruption to play but it will take our staff some time to clear out the burnt gorse bushes and replant new ones.
“At a time when we are all very busy preparing for the Senior Open this will, of course, take people away from the work they should be doing.”
He said the total area affected extended to several hundred square metres but, while the charred bushes are visually intrusive, they should not affect players’ enjoyment of the course.
Anyone who has information on who set the fires can call police on 0300 111 2222.