Boys aged ten charged over wrecking spree at primary

Published on Friday 3 June 2011 08:54

TWO ten-your-old boys are among four youths charged in connection with a mindless vandalism spree that caused damage costing £23,000 at two schools in Edinburgh.

DEVASTATION: St Francis headteacher Margot MacAlister, left, and her Niddrie Mill counterpart Sadie Miller survey the damage to the campus building after the attack. Pictures: IAN GEORGESON

The pair have been cautioned and charged along with two other boys, aged 12 and 14, in connection with an incident which left 34 windows smashed at the joint campus of Niddrie Mill and St Francis primaries in Craigmillar.

The four youths will be referred to the Children's Reporter, which will deal with the charges.

Last week the Evening News told how staff arrived at the schools on May 22 to discover a scene of devastation.

St Francis Primary suffered the worst damage, with 20 windows smashed. A further 14 where shattered at Niddrie Mill.

The incidents were described by the city's education leader as "difficult to stomach".

At the time, Marilyn MacLaren said: "This act of mindless vandalism is difficult to stomach as it is an attack on two of our most beautifully designed school buildings, which are assets to the community.

The joint Craigmillar campus opened at the end of August 2008.

Part of the site includes the 16 million horseshoe-shaped building which became the heart of the area's major regeneration project after a year and a half of construction.

Craigmillar councillor Maureen Child said that the attack on the campus was a "devastating blow" to the local community.

She said: "Instances of vandalism seem to have reduced in recent months and over the year, so it's hugely disappointing and very upsetting that this has happened.

"The schools are fantastic facilities for the children, the staff and the whole community.

"It's a devastating blow to come in and discover this has happened. We have to ask why and ask what satisfaction anyone would get out of it?"

The old Niddrie Mill school, a Victorian building which will now be turned into apartments, has stood empty since the pupils moved into the new campus and has been plagued by vandalism. In March 2009, a huge blaze was started deliberately which destroyed two 1970s buildings to the rear.

The Evening News revealed last year that during a five-year period between November 2004 and 2009, just over 22,000 of damage was caused by vandals at Niddrie Mill, while St Francis experienced just under 3000 of damage.

A police spokesman said: "Four youths have been cautioned and charged in connection with incidents of vandalism on May 22.

"They are aged ten, ten, 12, and 14. A report will be delivered to the Children's Reporter."