A Glasgow school has sent a 'clear message' to thugs who trashed their brand-new minibus. 

We reported how mindless vandals allegedly targeted St Francis Primary's new bus over the bank holiday weekend - smashing its windows.

The school - which is based in the Gorbals - said they were left 'absolutely horrified and disgusted' following the situation.

READ MORE: Glasgow school cancels end-of-term trips due to 'disgusting vandalism'

They also revealed they have had to cancel their 'end of term adventures' for its pupils.

Images shared on social media showed the bus windows had been smashed.

Following the situation, the school head teacher - Joanne Martin - said staff and pupils have been left in low spirits.

She has also hit out saying the school will not 'tolerate' the sickening act of vandalism.

Glasgow Times:

Speaking to the Glasgow Times, she said: "It was discovered around 7am on Tuesday, May 28, when the first member of staff came in.

"We're just absolutely in dismay.

"Staff and children alike are just despondent.

"We only got the keys for the van on May 17 and we were putting the wheels in motion to get children out on trips for the remainder of the term."

"It's a catastrophe for children living in the Gorbals who deserve to be able to utilise a vehicle like this to get out and about."

Glasgow Times:

The teacher went on to say there was 'disappointment' among the school's youngsters, which she said was 'heartbreaking'.

Mrs Martin added: "People are just feeling really disappointed.

"There was a huge sense of eagerness as we knew it was coming in May (the van) - so there was that real expectation we'd get to use it as soon as possible and within a week of its arrival it's out of use.

"Staff are really disappointed and just hoping that it is in no way connected to previous students of this school.

"We just hope there is a clear message that we won't tolerate it."

After the incident, the head teacher revealed firms have been in touch offering to fix the van - including well-known car dealership Arnold Clark.

She said: "We've had an email from a company offering to fix the van, Arnold Clark has also been in touch and they have said they will fix it for us because there will be a heavy excess if we go through insurance - so we are in talks with them which has been a stroke of good luck.

"It is really great that they have reached out to us."

Meanwhile, in a social media post on Wednesday, May 29, the school thanked the dealership for offering help.

They said: "We would also like to thank Arnold Clark who also got in touch to offer their help.

"We are so grateful for the support we have had."

 

 

Replying to the post, Arnold Clark said: "It was heartbreaking to see the damage.

"We're glad your exciting adventure is back on."

Due to the vandalism, the head teacher has also said once sorted the motor 'cannot be left on school grounds' and they will have to find a place to store it with CCTV.

They are looking to sort the issues out over the next few weeks and remain 'hopeful' that the local community will rally and share their 'disgust and dismay' over the incident.

 

 

Following the shocking incident, Deputy Leader of the Labour Group in Glasgow, Dr Soryia Siddique has hit out at the 'mindless destruction'.

She said: "This is so disappointing for pupils and the learning community.

"This mindless destruction is unacceptable.

"I will raise it with Glasgow City Council to explore any support that can be provided."

Meanwhile, Glasgow City Council's Convener for Education & Early Years said: "This is absolutely heartbreaking for the pupils & staff who look forward to this time of year for school trips & outings.

"Whoever did this should be absolutely ashamed."

 

Police Scotland has confirmed they are investigating the damage to the school's bus.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Around 7.45am on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, we received a report that a vehicle and windows had been damaged at a premises on Old Rutherglen Road, Glasgow.

“Enquiries are at an early stage.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Arnold Clark said: "Arnold Clark was delighted to offer our services to try and help get the van back on the road.

"On this occasion, others had very generously offered their assistance and we’re delighted to hear that the school’s adventure is back on."