Christmas tree vandalised for seventh year running in Montrose

Several lights on the tree were ripped down during the incident

The charity behind Montrose's Christmas tree say they are "devastated" after it was vandalised for the seventh year in a row.

Lights were ripped off the tree in the early hours of Tuesday after one of the perpetrators scaled a seven-foot perimeter fence.

Santa Claus in Montrose has vowed to permanently remove the tree if the culprits are not identified.

Police Scotland said inquiries were ongoing into the vandalism.

Councillor Tommy Stewart, the charity's chairman, said the damage was noticed by a passer-by on Tuesday morning.

He said: "Someone has climbed up inside the tree in among the lights and stood up on the metal frame and yanked as much handfuls of lights as they could.

"It's just wanton vandalism. We fund the tree through donations and fundraising. It's effectively owned by the people of the town."

One of the suspects scaled a seven-foot fence to rip lights off the Christmas tree

The charity began organising the tree in 2017, and it has been vandalised every year since.

Mr Stewart said: "Last year we had several episodes, one by a grown man who climbed over the fence and threw himself back onto the tree, showing off to his friends.

"It's plainly obvious when you look at our social media page how annoyed everyone is about this.

"I'm just devastated. You get scunnered with it."

Mr Stewart has spoken to police, who are reviewing CCTV which shows three suspects beside the tree at about 03:40.

He said: "If they have a positive identification then we will consider replacing the lights this year.

"If they don't, we will take the tree down. It will be removed completely and the tree won't go back up again in Montrose.

"Several people have came forward to fund it, but what's the point in throwing money at it if it's only going to be vandalised?"