A popular Erskine farm has been left devastated after cruel vandals set one of their buildings on fire - causing potentially thousands of pounds of damage.
Lamont Farm, on Barhill Road, has said it will be “closed until further notice” following the deliberate blaze in the early hours of Friday morning.
Emergency services raced to the scene shortly before 4am following reports one of the cabins on the farm was alight.
The community farm - which runs on donations from the public - is now facing a huge repair bill to fix the cabin, which was used as a lunch space for volunteers.
Staff feared the worst for the cats on the farm as this is where they sleep.
Thankfully, no animals were injured in the blaze, and staff say they are “so grateful”.
However, they say they have been left shocked as it the fire has been confirmed as wilful by police.
Posting on Facebook, Yvonne Elliot, who manages the farm wrote: “Devastated… there are no other words to describe how we feel just now.
“Unfortunately due to a fire in the cabin last night the farm will be closed until further notice.
“At about 3.45am a fire was discovered in the Portakabin at the front of the farm.
“Luckily any cats that were in the cabin managed to escape, and we managed to turn all the horses up to the field to safety so no animals or humans were harmed, we are so grateful for that.”
Yvonne was alerted to the sounds of the horses in distress in the early hours of the morning and spotted the fire when she went to investigate.
But despite her quick actions, the cabin has still been left with severe smoke and water damage.
Yvonne added: “We don’t know what damage has been caused other than the massive amount of smoke and water damage.
“We know however that the cost is going to be high especially for a small charity like us.
“Please watch out for any raffles etc online, we are going to be fundraising like mad to try and get back on our feet after this, or if anyone can spare a pound or two then please donate.
“We are still in shock that anyone could do this, especially just feet away from our horses stables, but we are just glad that everyone got out safely.
“If you wish to buy raffle tickets or donate anything towards the Farm’s appeal then please PM us and we can provide any details needed.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said: “We were alerted to a fire at Lamont Farm, Barhill Road, Erskine at 3.51am on Friday, March 31.
“Two appliances attended and extinguished a fire within a building on the site.
“No injures were reported.”
Detective Constable Robert Urquhart, Paisley CID, said: “Thankfully none of the animals were injured as a result of this but it was noise from their distress that alerted staff to the fire.
“Officers are currently checking local CCTV and checking with neighbouring properties but would appeal to anyone who may have seen or heard something suspicious in the early hours of Friday morning to come forward.
“Any information can be passed to officers at Paisley via 101. Please quote reference number 0401 of Friday, 31 March 2023 when calling. Alternatively, details can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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