A North-east scout group is facing a £1,000 bill after a well-used hut was burned to the ground.

Firefighters were called to a blaze at the Daviot Scouts’ site on Sunday evening.

The shelter is used by youngsters from Scout groups in the North-east to eat and cook.

Keith Millar, Gordon district commissioner, said they were disappointed the hut had been targeted. He added: “It is a shame that it has happened – it is just reckless.

“We are planning to rebuild it and it will cost around £1,000, plus the time of the volunteers. We have enough money to rebuild it and are planning to do it by the middle of August.”

“In the short term, we’ll make sure the site is safe to be used. But the money will have to come out of our funds which could have been used for something else.”

Crews were called to the blaze at around 6.30pm. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the hut was “well alight” when the crews arrived.

Mr Millar said the campsite attracts around 100 people on most weekends. Members of the Scout Association from across the country, along with other youth organisations, use the facility.

He added: “We have eight of the shelters around the campsite that have tables and seats and are a place for the kids to eat and cook. It really gives the younger ones a chance to become more self-sufficient in a safe environment.”

Councillor Paul Johnston, who represents the area, said: “It is a shame because it takes a lot to accumulate all the things that go into them and raise the money.

“It is a real shame so much voluntary effort goes into creating and keeping up the site and it can be so easily be destroyed. I would urge anyone who has information to contact the police.”

Police Scotland said inquiries into the incident were ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101, quoting reference number 3296 and July 2.