Boss of Lamont Farm speaks out after cabin torched

A cabin based within the grounds of Lamont Farm Project, in Barrhill Road, was set alight during the mindless arson attack.

Firefighters were called to the scene at around 4.15am on Friday and managed to extinguish the flames before any animals were injured.

However, thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused to the site as a result of the incident.

Trisha Craig, chairperson at Lamont Farm, said that it appears petrol and a rag were used to start the fire.

She told The Gazette: "There is a cabin for our volunteers and the cats also use it to sleep at night, so there was an open window for them to go in and out of.

"It looks like the rag was put in there but the cats were unharmed, as they got out another window.

"There were no other animals in the cabin but our horse stable, as well as two barns that house donkeys, Shetland ponies and sheep, are only about three feet away from the building."

It was the distressed whinnying of horse Hegan that led to a member of staff discovering the fire before it could spread any further.

Trisha said: "I've been at the farm for nearly 23 years and this has probably been the thing that has scared me most, and I've seen a lot of break-ins and vandalism.

Volunteer Yvonne Elliot (Image: Sourced)

"As the days have gone on, it's what could have happened that has been the big concern for us, and that makes it worse.

"This is probably the most serious incident that we've had."

Following the fire, the community farm set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for repair costs.

The fundraiser had an initial target of £2,500 but has quickly coined in more than three times that amount.

Trisha added: "The support we've had has been phenomenal.

"Erskine and the surrounding communities always get behind us when something like this happens and this time has been no different.

"We are overwhelmed and grateful that, even though there is a cost-of-living crisis, people are still prepared to provide donations."

Detective Constable Robert Urquhart, of Paisley CID, said: "Thankfully, none of the animals were injured as a result of this but it was noise from their distress that alerted staff to the fire.

"Officers are currently checking local CCTV and checking with neighbouring properties but would appeal to anyone who may have seen or heard something suspicious in the early hours of Friday morning to come forward.

"Any information can be passed to officers at Paisley via 101. Please quote reference number 0401 of Friday, March 31, when calling. Alternatively, details can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

To support Lamont Farm's fundraising efforts, visit www.gofundme.com/f/tgk5xf-fire-damage.