Fury as vandals torch loved ones' memorial trees in Grangemouth park

Trees which had been planted in a local park in memory of loved ones have been targeted and torched by mindless vandals.
By James Trimble
Published 4th Nov 2020, 07:42 BST
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The community orchard section of Grangemouth’s Inchyra Park fell victim to vandalism on Monday night when a number of trees were ripped up and set on fire. People discovered the damage when they visited the park yesterday morning 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.

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.”

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“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.”

Friends of Inchyra Park began creating the community orchard at the start to the yearFriends of Inchyra Park began creating the community orchard at the start to the year
Friends of Inchyra Park began creating the community orchard at the start to the year

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.

He added: “We have now replaced three trees in the orchard and eight stakes and ties. Unfortunately this comes at a financial cost to the group, who, like most, have no funds at present.

“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.

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

Vandals previously caused damage in the park when they chopped down a tree growing to use as fuel for an impromptu bonfireVandals previously caused damage in the park when they chopped down a tree growing to use as fuel for an impromptu bonfire
Vandals previously caused damage in the park when they chopped down a tree growing to use as fuel for an impromptu bonfire

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

For the last few years Friends of Inchyra Park and a mass of volunteers have been working hard to turn the park into something the community can be proud of and also acknowledging the fact it was home to Grangemouth Airport and was used to train Spitfire pilots during World War Two.

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.