A volunteer Angus railway was the victim of a “stomach-churning” arson attack which caused more than £20,000 of damage.
A recently restored 1940s LMS brakevan was set on fire and completely destroyed at the Caledonian Railway in Park Road, Brechin.
A statement from the group released this morning states: “Last night between 10pm and 11pm, the railway was subjected to an arson attack.
“The wooden body of our recently restored 1940’s LMS brakevan was set on fire and has unfortunately been completely destroyed.
“This has been a huge blow to the volunteers who operate the railway and costs of the damage are estimated to be in the range of between £20,000 and £25,000.
“Details on damage to the vehicle’s underframe and the culprits behind this are still being collected and we would like to thank the police and fire and rescue service for their assistance.”
Anyone with information about the attack is urged to contact police or the group directly.
Dundee Museum of Transport has pledged support to the Angus tourist attraction.
It said: “This is awful news. We will provide support in any way we can.
“As a trust, we are extremely disappointed at the lack of respect shown towards the restoration and work that goes into the preservation of our transport heritage. We hope the culprits behind this abhorrent attack are caught.
“It’s stomach-churning to think we have absolute fiends in our society that would carry out such an unprovoked and pointless act.”
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland is appealing for information after a fire at Caledonian Railway, Park, Road, Brechin yesterday evening (Wednesday 6 April).
“The carriage of a train was damaged sometime between 10.45pm and 11pm.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.”