A deliberate and devastating act of vandalism has left Eastmill Farm without its only tractor, after a suspected arson attack in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Farm manager Pamela Nicol has described the unsettling incident, which occurred around 2am, when two gentlemen staying on the farm initially thought they heard fireworks.
Following a premeditated attack on the farms only tractor the Nicol family, from Eastmill Farm, Glenisla, are appealing for any information that may lead to a conviction. Video credit - Mimi Forbes
Upon investigating the noise, they were met with a "roaring glow" as the farm’s tractor, a Massey 6713S with a Strautmann mixer feeder, was engulfed in flames.
One of the gentlemen, recalled hearing a series of loud bangs and cracks before discovering the tractor on fire, before alerting Nicol to the situation.
Nicol expressed her distress, saying: “It’s an awful feeling that this was a targeted and deliberate act. They knew exactly where they were going.”
According to Nicol, the fire was so intense that the tractor was beyond saving within just ten seconds of ignition. This loss has left Eastmill Farm in a precarious position, as it is now without its essential machinery, especially with calving and lambing seasons underway.
Police Scotland confirmed they received a report of the fire at around 3.20am on Sunday. A spokesperson stated: "Officers attended the scene, and the fire was extinguished by Scottish Fire and Rescue Services. The fire is being treated as wilful, and enquiries are ongoing."
Scottish Fire and Rescue confirmed they received a call at 2.15am about the tractor fire at Eastmill Farm. One appliance from Kirriemuir was sent to the scene, and firefighters used a hose reel jet to extinguish the blaze. The team left the farm at 4.15am.
The suspects involved in the incident are described as one man wearing a hoodie pulled up to conceal his face, with a light top and dark trousers, and the other wearing light-coloured clothing and a mask. This second individual was also noted to have a limp.
Despite the destruction, Pamela Nicol has praised the support of the local farming community. "The farming community has been incredible. Even someone from Kinloch Rannoch offered us the use of his tractor," she said. "We will get through this – we’re stubborn, that’s what we do."
However, the incident has left the family deeply shaken. Nicol revealed that every noise from the yard last night made her worry further. “It could’ve easily been one of the cow sheds or even the house,” she said.
The family is offering a reward for any information that leads to a conviction in the case.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to come forward to assist the ongoing police investigation.
