Community response sought on vandalism

Community-wide action has to be taken to turn the tide on the vandalism incidents that have marred Mid Argyll in recent weeks.

 

That is the view of one Mid Argyll councillor, who thinks groups from across the area should meet in the near future to talk about solutions to the vandalism blighting community spaces.

 

The call comes after a 'well-used' shed was razed to the ground in Blarbiue Woodland, part of the grounds of the Mid Argyll Hospital in Lochgilphead.

 

Councillor Jan Brown said: 'I have been contacted by a number of people about vandalism throughout Lochgilphead town, including at Blarbuie Woodland.

 

'I have been in contact with the police, Lochgilphead Community Council, and Transport Scotland, about a separate instance of vandalism at the bridge at the Corran roundabout.

 

'I am keen to try and get all groups together and see if we can work out a plan for more monitoring in the areas where vandalism seems to occur.

 

'I would urge people who witness vandalism to contact Police Scotland.'

 

Blarbuie woodland is home to Mid Argyll-made hand-crafted features like carved wooden sculptures and places of reflection dedicated to much-missed volunteers at the forefront of developing the woodland for the wider community - as well as the array of flora and wildlife living there.

 

First planted in Victorian times, the wood has a mix of native and exotic trees and was awarded the prize of 'Scotland's Finest Wood' in the Community Woodlands category in 2009.

 

Philippa McKee, ranger with the Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust, which looks after the 12-acre wood, said: 'The destruction of the shed in the high wood is really disappointing for us. It has been a well-used resource and it is such a shame to lose it.

 

'We do all we can to look after the woodland and to make it a safe and enjoyable space for all those who visit.

 

'This includes clearing paths, litter picking and managing the bins, but we are clearing up bottles and broken glass on a regular basis and it has become a real challenge.

 

'Blarbuie is a much-loved and respected public space and we hope people will continue to visit and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors.'

 

'We are taking advice from the police about how to deal with this.'

 

Broken glass has been an issue for pedestrians and dog-walkers elsewhere in the town, with Lochgilphead residents concerned about the remnants of smashed bottles around the Manse Brae and Woody Lane area, earlier this month.

 

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'A large shed was burnt to the ground in Blarbuie woods, Lochgilphead, by unknown persons, between 3pm on October 6, 2022 and 9am on October 10, in what was an act of wilful fire-raising.

 

'Police are appealing for witnesses to this incident.

 

'If you can help, please contact 101 quoting incident 0603 of October 10.'

 

"attachment_812275" "" "300"] The Octagon in the woodland makes for a good spot to sight wildlife.

 

"attachment_812287" "" "300"] The woodland houses spots of shelter and reflection.

 

"attachment_812278" "" "300"] Blarbuie Woodland is a well-loved and used area of Lochgilphead.

 

The sorry sight of the burnt-out shed at Blarbuie, a 'well-used resource'. NO_AA43woodland01

 

The Octagon in the woodland makes for a good spot to sight wildlife. NO_AA43woodland02

 

The woodland houses spots of shelter and reflection. NO_AA43woodland03