Vandals set fire to popular Dingwall play train
The burnt out play train at Pefferside Park
VANDALS have burned down one of Dingwall’s most popular kiddies’ play items, to the despair of mums and children the town over.
They set fire to the big red engine of the play train in Pefferside Park late on Monday night, ironically as three local fire engines were attending a house fire at nearby Firth View.
Police are making inquiries locally and have appealed to the public for information about the culprits.
Local mum Aisling McColl, who took this picture, told the North Star: "I took my two children there on Tuesday morning and the police were in attendance, speaking with a couple of council workers.
"The story I later heard was that a fire engine was passing on Monday evening and stopped when they saw smoke, knowing the location of the train, next to two very mature trees
"I am very glad that they did. Otherwise I imagine there could have been a lot more damage. My children were quite upset as were others who came to the park that morning. The train has been a favourite for many years and kids all loved it, only now to lose it to what appears to be a cruel and mindless act of vandalism – very probably by someone who used to play on the train as a small child themselves."
When Mrs McColl posted her feelings on Facebook she received several responses from local mums whose children also played on the train.
These included:
• "No way, that train is legend: RIP mr train we had some good times: kids will be gutted every1 loves the train
• "They must of done it recently as we were there on Sunday and it was fine then. Wee fella had a brilliant time."
• "Thats such a shame! Who does that in a play park!!"
• "That’s a disgrace it’s a council park, email the pics u took to the North Star they will campaign to get it sorted xx"
Inspector David Greenlees, Dingwall, said the incident had been reported to police at 10.10pm when the train, made of marine plywood, was ablaze.
"We’re making inquiries and appealing for witnesses," added Inspector Greenlees. "It’s very disappointing that people can’t respect property."
A fire engine from Beauly responded to the call and extinguished the blaze in less than 20 minutes.
A statement from the park-keeper said the train had cost over £2,000 to erect, between 15 and 20 years ago.
Highland councillor Margaret Paterson remarked: "I’m really distressed to learn of this, especially as we’re just going to spend a lot of money on improving the park, including construction of a new tennis court.
"Why would anyone want to destroy the train? It’s a much-loved piece of playpark furniture, it’s been there for many years, and it’s likely that whoever did it once played on it themselves. I hope we’ll be able to repair or replace it.
"It’s all the more worrying as the council hasn’t much money for playparks and a lot have already disappeared because of lack of funding.
"Vandalism won’t deter us from carrying out the proposed improvements, and I’m sure the police will get on top of it, as they did in recent cases."
