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Historic north-east properties could invoke ban on public after being targeted by yobs

Paula Swan, property manager at Castle Fraser.
Paula Swan, property manager at Castle Fraser.

A spate of thefts and vandalism at historic properties could force a ban on the public using the grounds outside visiting hours.

Extra security measures are being considered at Leith Hall and Castle Fraser – both managed by the National Trust of Scotland – after they were targeted by criminals in recent weeks.

Thieves smashed a charity box and took cash donated by visitors to Leith Hall in Kennethmont.

And Castle Fraser had its pumpkin patch raided, putting a popular Halloween event in doubt, and £1,000 of knife damage done to a teepee.

Currently the two properties’ gardens and grounds are open to the public even when the interiors are closed, allowing people to walk around.

But since the latest incident, their custodian has now started to consider locking the public out to prevent any further damage.

Property manager Paula Swan said: “It has got to the stage now that we are considering locking up the grounds at night and installing CCTV. It’s a shame because a lot of people come in the evenings to go for walks. The Castle Fraser tepee was knifed a while back too, which cost £1,000 to replace.

“It is only a small minority of people who do this, but it is so, so frustrating.”

She said that while there had not been a large amount of money inside the charity box, it would cost more than £100 to replace.

“We empty them weekly, so I doubt that there was any more than £10 or £20 inside. But we use the money to put back into the properties.”

Tap O Noth community council member John Drysdale voiced his disappointment also and said: “It is very sad to hear that this has happened, regardless of how much was taken. It’s pathetic that people think they can target charities is such a way.”

Police have appealed for information about the charity box theft as part of a wider warning about similar crimes across the Huntly area.

Anyone with information can contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you would prefer to remain anonymous.