A group of Californian tourists helped save an Aberdeen park from serious devastation.
Jamie Gibson was woken up by the group after they spotted the flames in Seaton Park late last night.
Fire crews attended the scene and spent half an hour extinguishing the flames.
An information board in the park was destroyed, but no wider damage has been reported.
Mr Gibson said: “I live nearby and some Californian tourists chapped on my window and asked me to phone the fire brigade.
“After phoning, I went out for a look and spoke briefly to the fire brigade and the police.
“The fire was put out pretty quickly leaving damage to the viewing platform and information boards.”
He added that it “could have been a lot worse” if the passing tourists hadn’t woken him up.
A fire service spokesman said: “We received the call at 11.56pm and we were on the scene by 12.01am.
“There was signage lit on fire inside the park and crews used a hose reel jet to extinguish it.
Sheila Gordon, from Friends of Seaton Park, said: “I have reported the damage to Aberdeen City Council’s environment department who are responsible for maintaining the park.
“I have also reported it to the city wardens to see if they can help us deal with such behaviour.
“I am sad that this has happened and that scarce resources may have to be used to put it right.
“The damaged information boards tell people about how the wetlands work and the wildlife and plants to be seen in the park.
“An unlovely flooded area was turned into a useful resource and something which everyone can enjoy.
“Friends of Seaton Park works with Aberdeen City Council and other partners to try and ensure that the park is as good as it can be.
“We are very lucky to have so much amazing green spaces in and around Aberdeen.
“I find it impossible to understand why anyone would cause such damage and potentially turn smiles into tears.”
