The public are being urged to help catch vandals who struck at Craigrownie Park in Cove last weekend.
The revamped park was opened last July after a remarkable community fund-raising campaign saw £100,000 raised in just over a year.
But vandals have attacked the new facility, using a firelighter to set fire to a piece of material, which then was used to set the rope swing alight.
Roni Ferguson of the Craigrownie Park group said it was thought that the vandal was not local, but local children were reluctant to ‘point the finger’.
“The damage may not look huge but will cost £480.90 plus VAT to replace plus delivery,” she said.
“This is a huge amount of money and we are raging at the mindless act of vandalism. We are appealing to anyone who knows anything to contact the police and will be dealt with in confidence.
“We do not want this happening again and potentially leading to giving the area a bad name so this needs nipped in the bud. The police cannot do anything without proof.
“So if you know anything please come forward.
The swing is still safe to use but is an eyesore and could get worse over time.”
Police Scotland say they are investigating the incident and appeal for anyone with information to contact them by calling 101 or via the confidential Crimestoppers service.
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