Vandals target the fairies of Aden Country Park
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Families in the north-east are disappointed after vandals targeted a popular settlement of fairies.
The Fairy Woods and outdoor learning space at Aden Country Park fell victim to vandals this week, and many of the properties as well as the seating area used for the outdoor sessions have been broken beyond repair.
Speaking on the damage, the fairies' human friend Fiona McHattie said: "I was so disappointed to get messages saying it's been trashed.
"I am honestly devastated, I've put so much work into this.
"The woods is used for outdoor sessions during the week and weekends, unfortunately until everything is sorted we can’t do them.
"Some of the sessions we were running were for kids who were struggling with lockdown and finding interaction with peers difficult, being outdoors and having fun was slowly helping them to adjust back into school, etc.
"We need wood, paint, glue, cable reels as benches were destroyed and a lot of creativity to get things back up and going.
"It’s not just the kids - I have my father who works so hard in helping me create the houses."
The fairies first moved into Cruden Bay when Fiona set up homes for them in the woods to benefit her granddaughter and other local youngsters.
Unfortunately the fairies were evicted from Cruden Bay but were delighted to be able to set up home in Aden Country Park, with some fairies staying behind and moving to a different location in Cruden Bay.
Images of the damage were met with outrage from the public online, many of whom have fond memories of visiting the Fairy Woods with their young people.
Some people shared that upon hearing the news their youngsters were upset and concerned about the welfare of the fairies who live in the woods.
North-east MSP Liam Kerr said: “I’m absolutely disgusted at the vandalism which has happened at Aden Country Park Fairy Woods.
“A lot of hard work has gone into creating the popular attraction only for it to be destroyed by some mindless individuals.
“Families from across the north-east travel to the park for the fairy woods and I’m appalled this has happened.
“I hope those responsible for this terrible act are caught and I would urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident to get in touch with the police immediately.
“It’s extremely concerning that several places for young people have now been vandalised across Aberdeenshire in the last week in areas such as Turriff, Peterhead and Aboyne.”
With hopes of rebuilding the fairy properties and learning area Fiona is now appealing for donations of wood (not pallets or MDF), brightly coloured paint, all sizes of screws, glue and cable reels.
Anybody who would like to donate can contact the Aden Fairy Woods and Forest School Facebook page.
Anybody with any information on the vandalism should contact Police on 101.
