Police are hunting vandals who sparked a major blaze at a north-east scrapyard, causing damage estimated at tens of thousands of pounds.
An investigation was yesterday launched into the devastating fire at Seaview Car Dismantlers in Fraserburgh, which broke out in the early hours of the morning.
The site’s owners said about 60 vehicles were extensively damaged, as well as a tow truck and a boat which was being restored. The fire also spread to several neighbouring businesses.
Last night police said they believed the blaze had been started deliberately.
Firefighters were called to the Denmark Street compound at around 2.30am yesterday.
Four crews from Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Maud tackled the blaze using a water carrier drafted in from Turriff.
It took nearly four hours to bring the outbreak under control.
A joint investigation by fire chiefs and police is now under way.
Forensic teams carried out an extensive search of the yard and neighbouring properties yesterday afternoon. Police are also examining CCTV footage taken from the business, which appears to show several young men in an adjacent net store.
Seaview worker Stephen Stewart said rows of scrap vehicles were destroyed in the fire, along with a boat, valued at £28,000.
A police spokesman said the investigation began once the site was made safe.
He appealed for any witnesses to get in touch. “At the time, the area was busy with weekend revellers,” he added.
Seaview Car Dismantlers opened its new yard on the Broch’s northern coast three years ago.
It was previously based at nearby land known as the Braes, which was cleared to make way for new houses as part of a £52million masterplan project.
In 2009, after four years of negotiations with Aberdeenshire Council, the family business agreed to sell its original site for an undisclosed sum.
More than 50 modern homes have now been built on and around the site.
Police have urged anyone with information about yesterday morning’s fire to get in touch by calling 101 or freephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.