A primary school hut which was torched by vandals is set to be replaced as the community hit out against the incident. 

The reading hut in the playground of Kilbowie Primary School in Clydebank was set alight on June 28 sparking outrage from locals and officials.

Posting on Facebook, West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) released a photo of the large-scale damage which reveals the structure's roof caved in and the hut completely scorched. 

However, councillors have now made reassurances that the hut will be replaced at the beginning of the school term in August with a photo showing the site already being cleared.

 

Members of the community have now taken to the platform to share their heartache at the incident.

Clare Steel, convener of education services for WDC, said: "This is just devastating, I popped down on Friday night to the site as soon as I was made aware of what happened.

"I know how much the children love the reading hut and how pupils, families, and teachers will be upset by the damage caused by the fire, but we will make sure that a brand new replacement reading hut will be in place before Kilbowie Primary School children return from their summer holidays in August."

 

Martin Rooney, leader of WDC, said: "The council assets manager is on-site today and has estimated the replacement costs.

"The chief officer of resources is in consultation with the chair Michelle McGinty and vice chair Clare Steel of the cost of living working group who will receive an application for funding for a new reading hut at Kilbowie Primary School to be in place before the start of the new school term in August."

A member of the public also voiced their anger, writing: "Disgusting, shame on whoever did this."

Another user commented: "Mindless actions. So so sad. Kilbowie Primary has a great outdoor space for their children. One that's taken years to establish. So disheartening to say the least."

Cllr Fiona Hennebry wrote: "I was shocked and appalled to hear about this vandalism over the first weekend of the school holidays. I have received notification that the reading hut will be replaced before the new term starts in August." 

WDC have condemned the incident which the police have said is being treated as wilful and an investigation is underway.