Findhorn Bay Nature Reserve hide gifted to public by resident is vandalised
A wildlife hide donated to the community by a local nature lover nine years ago has been vandalised - again.
Tom’s Cabin at Findhorn Bay Nature Reserve, built by the late Tom Brown from Kinloss, was attacked during the afternoon of Saturday, September 14.
Tom’s friend Phil Davies attempted to report the incident to the police on September 16, however, a report could not be raised until ownership of the land was established.
Phil claimed that at around 4.30pm he saw three teenagers on bikes heading from the cabin into the village after the hide was vandalised.
He said: “The cabin is there for everyone to enjoy. It has a ramp for wheelchair and pram access, and inside there are a table and bench.
“Two tables with sitting benches outside have been destroyed. A wall was smashed and the planks destroyed. The inside was wrecked.”
Mr Brown used donations from a number of sources to fund the open fronted cabin. He built it in Kinloss Church car park and, with the help of a local farmer, transported it to the bay.
Mr Davies added: “It has been damaged before but never as badly as this time. It is such a shame and a pointless thing to do. Whenever damage has occurred, smashed vodka bottles litter the site.”
Moray Council is responsible for the buildings upkeep now.
A spokesperson said: “We are aware of the vandalism, and are assessing the damage. Police have been informed.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Monday, September 23, we received a report of vandalism at a premise within Findhorn Bay Nature Reserve.
“Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to call the police on 101 quoting CR/0358082/24.”