School equipment set up for outdoor learning in an Inverness woods has been stolen.
The kit was due to be used as an outdoor classroom by P3 pupils at Milton of Leys Primary School.
But when the class arrived at Balvonie Wood on the edge of the suburb on Tuesday they found the equiment had disappeared.
The school said pupils and staff were “devastated” by the theft – while the chairman of the school’s parent council said it was disappointing.
The equipment was not especially valuable – but it will have to be replaced out of school funds.
Among the stolen items were seven laminated cards bearing the school’s logo with instructions for the task due to be carried out, seven red cones and a large box containing stationery.
All that was left was a “battered” fire box.
The school posted a statement on their website about the incident.
It said: “Having spent a significant amount of time this morning (Tuesday) setting up the resources which were clearly marked with the school’s name, the P3 staff were devastated to discover that when they arrived at the woods this afternoon, all of the resources and materials had been removed completely (except for a now-battered fire box).
“Clearly, this is a really disappointing and upsetting discovery and left the children unable to do any of the carefully planned out activities in the wood and has left both staff and pupils extremely frustrated.
“Aside from the fact that the preparation had been disturbed, we are now without numerous resources which will have to be replaced out of school funds.”
Craig Dutton, chairman of the school’s parent council, said he was disappointed by the incident.
He said: “The school has used that area before without any trouble so this is very disappointing.
“It is just theft really and vandalism.”
The school has asked anyone with information to contact their office.
