Police are hunting four yobs who allegedly trashed accommodation at a Scots beauty spot during a bizarre two-hour rampage.
The owners of The Attic, a hostel close to the West Highland Way in Blanefield, Stirlingshire, told on Monday of the men they believe are responsible for causing the appalling damage at the weekend.
Mattresses were left strewn around the room and items were smashed on the floor, while a smoke alarm was also damaged - putting other guests at risk.
Owner Karen Bissland told the Record of her devastation at finding the carnage after the men spent just two hours in the room on Saturday night and left without paying.
She said: “They smashed a coat rack and pictures and covered the room in shower gel and toothpaste. Yet nobody heard a thing. It was totally bizarre.
“There were seven children staying with us on Saturday and they disabled the smoke alarm in the room putting everyone at risk. That’s criminal.”
The men checked in at 4pm on Saturday and went out before returning to the room at 9pm with a carrier bag.
They spent just two hours in the room before leaving at around 11pm, when they were again captured on CCTV.
Karen said: “They were a walk in and didn’t book in advance. They said they had been working in the area and didn’t fancy driving home.
“We showed them the room and they said they were really happy with it.
The strange thing was I met them and they seemed lovely. The cafe staff said they same thing. They sat and chatted to some of the guests too.”
Karen passed all of the images to police yesterday and said officers are now trying to trace a red Seat car which the men were travelling in.
She said: “They drove in side on so we can’t make out the whole reg yet but the police are dealing with it.”
Meanwhile friends of the business blasted the mindless vandalism on social media, describing it as “disgusting” and those responsible as “scumbags”.
One pal said: “That’s disgusting! Please let us know if you find he culprits.
Another said: “I can’t believe what I’m seeing and reading. There is something wrong with these individuals. I do hope someone knows who they are. I can’t imagine what you felt when you opened the door.”
Another added: “Scumbags. Doesn’t get much lower. What can they possibly get out of doing this kinda thing.”
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "An investigation is underway following a report of a vandalism at Edenmill Farm, Blanefield.
"The matter was reported to police on Sunday 27 September 2020 and enquiries are ongoing."
