A primary school has been forced to close after vandals caused more than £20,000 worth of damage in a wrecking spree.

Markethill Primary School in Turriff was trashed over the weekend, with an “iconic” stained glass window at destroyed.

On Monday, the school was unable to open to pupils after the vandalism.

Police Scotland are investigating the incident, which happened between 5.30pm on Friday and 5.20pm on Sunday.

ADVERT

The force said units were destroyed and food, including flour and eggs, was thrown about the Aberdeenshire school.

Sergeant David Threadgold said: “This is an example of utterly mindless and wanton vandalism on a primary school and community facility.

“It is absolutely unacceptable that buildings which are of integral importance to our community are targeted in this way. Whoever perpetrated this act must have spent a considerable amount of time within the premises.

​”As well as the monetary value of the damage, the impact on the community cannot be underestimated.

ADVERT

“Parents have had to arrange extra childcare at short notice, I can assure the public that this was not a decision that was taken lightly, but one which will afford us the best opportunity to catch those responsible.”

Markethill Primary: ‘Iconic’ stained glass window destroyed. STV

He added: “Most poignantly, a stained glass window from the original Turriff Primary School has been damaged.

“This iconic piece of art, which was hoped to be transferred to the new school premises, symbolises everything that the school means to the staff, pupils and wider community.

“To damage it in such a way is inexcusable and I would urge the community to pull together to identify those responsible.”

Aberdeenshire Council said it would not reopen the school until it felt it was safe enough to do so.

Director of education Maria Walker said: “The damage done to Markethill Primary School has deprived our pupils of their right to an education when they should expect to be able to go, every day, to a school that is welcoming and appealing.

“Given the extent of the damage we anticipate a significant clean-up operation. We will not reopen the school until we are satisfied that the environment is suitable and safe for pupils and staff and we will keep the school community up-to-date as we move forward.

ADVERT

“We have had some kind offers from local residents to help clean up but we are still at the early stages of assessing the damage. Instead I ask anyone with information about what happened to contact Police Scotland.”

Anyone with information relating to the vandalism is asked to contact the police on 101.