AN Erskine mother has told of her disgust after her family was left out of pocket in an elaborate holiday "scam". 

Kirsty Duffy, a 26-year-old nurse, fears she is one of dozens of holidaymakers who will be affected by the Ayrshire caravan park booking. 

Ms Duffy has been left devastated after her trip to Craig Tara through third-party Lisa McGuire was cancelled as it emerged she is unlikely to get her money back. 

Police say enquiries are at an early stage after the Facebook group belonging to Ms McGuire was taken down and all contact cut off. 

Mother-of-three Ms Duffy said: “I’m quite emotional about it all. I have three young kids and they’re all missing out.

“I’m a nurse and work 14-hour shifts so It’s good to have something to look forward too.

“We booked in to visit during Easter and July, a good chunk of our savings was spent this.”

Ms Duffy, who spent around £300 on the caravan holidays, previously had a positive experience booking through Ms McGuire in the past.

Despite being initially re-assured her holidays would go ahead, she has now not had any word back from Ms McGuire and is now in contact with her bank to try and retrieve her cash.

“She’ll have made so much money from ruining people’s holidays,” Kirsty added.

“The amount of people in the Facebook group [created after the alleged scam came to light] is unreal, and some people have forked out as much as £2000.

“She was even selling Christmas vouchers aimed at kids, saying ‘Santa is taking you to Craig Tara’ – it’s totally disgusting.”

More than 1000 people have now joined a “Scammed by Lisa McGuire – Craig Tara” social media group to share their experiences.

A spokesperson for Craig Tara said: “We were upset to hear that a small number of people have been duped into purchasing holidays through fraudulent social media sites.

“We have advised people who have contacted us directly to report the matter to the police.

“We always advise customers to book only through trusted channels, for example through the official Haven website, ABTA agent or affiliated third party.

“In doing so, both your money and your holiday experience can be protected by us. We would strongly urge customers not to attempt to make bookings through social media channels.

“We are continuing to monitor such sites and report to the necessary authorities where appropriate.”

Lisa McGuire was approached for comment.

This was originally reported in our sister title The Evenining Times. 

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond