Polytunnel vandalism leaves Hup pupils exposed to harm – and delays healthy eating project

The Hope Community School is seeking help to eliminate out-of-hours destructive behaviour in its grounds, after shards of broken glass were left in the playground and the school's polytunnel vandalised recently.

Damage will cost more than £1500 to repair - and will set back healthy eating and 'food to fork' projects with the children by weeks while repairs are sorted.

But it's not only the added cost and delays to learning says Head Teacher Cathy Mackenzie - it's also hazards like shards of glass and pieces of wood with nails sticking out that are being left behind that are causing real concern:

"These are extremely hazardous items being left by vandals in what is a very busy playground - they pose a huge risk to our pupils, and also to the wider community who do enjoy the school grounds on weekends and holidays.

"We are really disappointed by the damage especially after securing Education Scotland 'Food for Thought' funding to further develop our growing projects.

"I would appeal to the wider Orkney community to be aware of the ripple effect of vandalism - in this case it's not just cost of repairs but also lost learning opportunities and experiences for the children. The children love to learn in this area and it is very disappointing for them that they are no longer able to do so until we can raise funds to replace the polytunnel."

"The polytunnel is a project which has been years in the making, with funds from Tesco, fundraising by the school community, and help from many including Highland Park volunteers.

"The matter has been reported to Police and we'd urge anyone with information to pass that to Police Scotland.

"Meantime we'd love to hear from anyone in the local community who could help with repairs to our polytunnel or support our fundraising efforts."

Chair of Education, Leisure and Housing, Gwenda Shearer, said: "It's always disappointing when community facilities are vandalised - but leaving a school playground peppered with broken glass and sharp nails is beyond the pale.

"With Council funds stretched more than ever, and the cost of living crisis affecting the community, damage like this also has a very real knock on effect to the funds available for services people rely on.

"It's worth stressing that we take vandalism and its cost to the community very seriously - and will work closely with our colleagues in Police Scotland."