A Garioch football squad has been handed a new lawnmower just weeks after callous thieves broke into its grounds.
Kintore United Football Club has been given a new sit-on machine to tend its pitch after the team’s green John Deere LT155 was reported missing from the club’s Midmill site on Sunday, February 12.
The group has received a new mower from Inverurie Garden and Machinery Centre at a “significantly reduced” price.
The club quickly launched a fundraiser to generate the cash to replace the machine, with efforts still on-going.
Last night club secretary, Craig Duguid, said the group had received “fantastic support” from the local community since the theft.
He added: “When we discovered our lawnmower had been stolen, everyone was understandably angry and upset given how close knit the community is. We rely on it to care for our pitch and can’t do without it.
“We know we’re lucky to live in a safe area, however as a club we have been forced to review the security of all our equipment and at additional costs to us. We also faced saving up to buy another one.
“On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to sincerely thank them (Inverurie Garden and Machinery Centre) for this very generous offer which we have accepted and will ensure that we are up and running for Spring.
“We would also like to thank the people who have generously donated to our Crowdfunding appeal which, with a little more support, means we will be able to reach our target and cover the cost of the new machine.”
Director of Inverurie Garden and Machinery Centre, Hugh Robertson, said: “We were shocked that someone could stoop so low. Hopefully this new piece of equipment will serve the club well for many years to come.”
Police are still investigating the theft.