A “MUCH loved” park bench in Giffnock was targeted by “mindless vandalism” last week.

The bench, which was located in Huntly Park in the town, was set on fire on Friday, April 28.

Sadly, due to the damage which the blaze caused to the seat, it had to be removed afterwards.

After being made aware of the incident, East Renfrewshire Council said they are “extremely disappointed” about the “mindless vandalism” in the park.

While Police Scotland has also confirmed that after being alerted to a report of the fire, officers are now investigating the blaze.

A local group, which is made up of residents who aim to protect the Huntly playing fields and woodland in the area, Friends of Huntly Park, expressed their sadness about the “missing” bench too.

On social media, they said: “We are very sad to discover one of our lovely picnic benches has gone missing from Friends of Huntly Park.

“This is the picnic bench from the Braidpark Drive end of the lower pitches.

“We have contacted our local councillors and East Renfrewshire Council Parks Department to see if they could investigate and ask about a replacement bench for our much-loved park as they have been a very well-used resource for our local community.

“They have all been very supportive of our requests in the past so we will keep in touch with our members one we have some answers.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers are investigating a report of a bench being set on fire in Huntly Park, Giffnock.

“The incident occurred on the evening of Friday, April 28, and the bench has since been removed due to damage caused.

“Enquiries are continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1049 of Tuesday, May 2, 2023.”

While an East Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “We were extremely disappointed to see this mindless vandalism in Huntly Park.

“We’re committed to maintaining and improving our parks, so incidents like this are massively frustrating and ultimately cost the Council more money.

“The vandalism has been reported to Police Scotland and we will replace the bench.”