Damage worth more than £100,000 has been caused by a fire which was started deliberately at an Aber-deenshire farm.
Smoke billowed across the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road on Monday morning after a hay barn at Drumdurno Farm at Chapel of Garioch, near Pitcaple, had been set alight at around 3.40am. Some 36 firefighters and nine appliances went to the scene north of Inverurie from as far away as Turriff, Dyce and Stonehaven in addition to local units.
More than 2,000 straw bales and farm machinery were inside the barn at the time as well as livestock, which was led to safety before the fire service arrived. A short time later a tractor and trailer from the same farm were found in flames near the Bennachie Visitors Centre approximately two miles away.
Police have said they believe that both incidents are linked and are treating them as a case of “willful fireraising”.
Local councillor Patricia Oddie, who represents the West Garioch ward, said: “Incidents of this nature are always shocking for anyone in this situation, even more so when they might be of a willful nature.
“The community will be feeling for those who have suffered. Thank goodness we have people to co-ordinate those on the frontline who are always ready to respond at a moment’s notice and deal with emergency incidents which can be even more challenging in rural areas.”
An appeal for witnesses has been issued by police and it is understood that officers are following a positive line of inquiry.
A force spokeswoman said: “The incident took place at a hay barn at around 3.40am on Monday and required the attendance of several units from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. A tractor and trailer from the farm were later found ablaze near the Bennachie Visitors Centre and it is believed the two incidents are linked.
“The total cost of the damage is believed to be a low-six figure sum.”
Anyone with information should contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 500 111.