POLICE are investigating after a break-in and deliberate fire destroyed volunteers’ “tireless” work on a Scottish town’s model railway.
Police and fire services were sent to the railway yard on Union Street in Bo’ness, on the Firth of Forth, on Sunday after reports of the damage.
Officers said a fire was put out after two train carriages were broken into. One housed a model railway while the other was used for storage.
The Bo'ness Gauge O Group, which operates the “Glenauchter” model railway, wrote on Facebook on Sunday: “Unfortunately we were informed of some very sad news this morning.
“Two people broke into our coaches and started a fire, heavily damaging the interior of the fiddleyard coach and causing smoke damage to the viewing coach. Much of the rolling stock was either damaged or stolen, along with countless other items.
“Naturally, we are all absolutely devastated. The layout has done nothing but bring joy to us members and the public for many years, and it hurts to see it in this state.
“Police Scotland Forth Valley are investigating this crime and have put out an appeal for information. If you live nearby and have seen anything, please report it to them. Even the smallest bit of information could help, and would be greatly appreciated by us.”
The group added: “We are hopeful that Glenauchter can be repaired and reopened as strong as it's ever been, but this will of course take time and the layout will be closed for the near future.
“Thank you for bearing with us during this difficult time.”
Users called the news “absolutely devastating” and "mindless vandalism" while others asked if it would be possible to donate to a rebuild.
Police Scotland inspector David Black said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible. The carriages are maintained by a team including many volunteers who work tirelessly to keep these carriages running and are a popular tourist attraction.
“We are appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area of the railway yard, particularly around 2am, where it's been reported two men were acting suspiciously in the area.”
Police said that the first man they would like to talk to is aged late twenties to early forties, of a large build, between 5ft 8 and 6 ft tall, and clean shaven. He was wearing dark glasses, a baseball cap, dark top and bottoms, dark New Balance trainers, and was carrying a shoulder bag that was worn across his body.
The second man is described as white, aged late twenties to early forties, of slim build, 5ft 8 to 6ft tall, and also clean shaven. He was wearing a dark jacket, dark shoulder bag on one shoulder, dark hat with white writing, dark joggers, and grey trainers.
Black added: “If you saw anything significant around this location then please get in touch.
“We are also asking people to check their private CCTV and dash-cams to see if there is footage that could assist with our enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1043 of Sunday, 19 May, 2024, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
