Maggie's Highland cancer centre forced to close after ‘senseless and selfish act’ of vandalism

Vandals struck in the early hours of Sunday morning, smashing windows, doors and damaging floors.

A charity who run a cancer centre have been left “absolutely devastated” after vandals viciously trashed its premises – forcing them to close their doors and cancel appointments.

During a wrecking spree in the early hours of Sunday morning at Maggie's Highland Centre in Inverness, vandals smashed windows, doors, and even damaged floors.

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A clear up will now need to be carried out, including a deep clean.

Thugs smashed windows, doors and even damaged floors at Maggie's Highland Centre, in Inverness, in a late-night wrecking spree.Thugs smashed windows, doors and even damaged floors at Maggie's Highland Centre, in Inverness, in a late-night wrecking spree.
Thugs smashed windows, doors and even damaged floors at Maggie's Highland Centre, in Inverness, in a late-night wrecking spree.

A fundraising page to help with the costs of repairs has so far raised more than £6,000.

Head of Maggie's Highlands Centre, Seonaid Green, said: “We are absolutely devastated by the damage to our centre.

“We have been providing support since the start of lockdown by phone, email and digitally, but we have been gradually opening up to see people face to face again, by appointment, and making sure those people from across the Highlands living with cancer have the support they need at what is an incredibly difficult time.

“Now we need to rearrange appointments and take two or three days to fix the damage.

Glass doors in the building were smashed.Glass doors in the building were smashed.
Glass doors in the building were smashed.

“We also need to do a deep clean to ensure when we are able to see people in the centre they are coming into the safest possible environment.

“However, we have also been absolutely overwhelmed by the incredible support from the Highlands community and I would just like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated or been in touch with offers of support.”

Constable Cameron Ross, of Burnett Road police station, has appealed for anybody with any information to come forward.

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He said: “Police received a report of a vandalism at the Maggie's Highlands on Old Perth Road, Inverness, around 3.10am on Sunday, August 30.

“Enquiries are ongoing into the incident.

“Damage has been caused by this senseless and selfish act which will sadly have an impact on the services and support offered at the centre.

“Anyone who has information relating to the vandalism or saw any suspicious activity shortly before or after the incident is asked to contact police.”

To make a donation to Maggie's Highland Centre, visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/MaggiesHlands

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