Boy (15) arrested for Grangmouth memorial garden vandalism

The community orchard section of Grangemouth’s Inchyra Park fell victim to vandalism on Monday, November 2, when a number of trees were ripped up and set on fire. People discovered the damage when they visited the park the following day to see their trees, which were planted and dedicated to the memories of dead friends and family members, and could not believe someone would do something so destructive.

A Grangemouth community policing team spokesperson said: “A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in relation to recent damage to the Inchyra Community Orchard. We would like to thank all the members of the public that came forward to help us with our enquiries.”

At the time of the vandalism incident, one resident said: “These trees were an act of remembrance for my granpapa and other family members who had passed away. My mum is absolutely devastated. This is a disgusting way to behave – the people who did this should be ashamed of themselves.”

“Two of the trees were ours,” said another householder. “They were in memory of my husband’s parents and his brother who died aged 11. It’s so sad – it hasn’t even been a year since they were planted.”

Adam Gillies, of Friends of Inchyra Park, said some of the trees had been replaced, but funds would not yet allow all the damage to be undone.

“We will replace the larger trees lost when funding becomes available. The money is a small matter in comparison to the many people this has upset and left in tears, coming down to check their trees.

“Hopefully the trees now replaces will offer some comfort, but we are all absolutely gutted.”

Police Scotland are now looking into the matter and reportedly following positive lines of inquiry.

Friends of Inchyra Park have set up a page at www.gofundme.com to raise cash to buy replacement trees for the ones that were vandalised.

Visit the Friends of Inchyra Park page on Facebook for more information.