Bird hide fire in Loch Leven National Nature reserve being investigated by police

A BIRD hide at Loch Leven National Nature Reserve (NNR) has been destroyed in a fire that is thought to have been started deliberately.

Mil Hide, owned by NatureScot has been completely “gutted” in the fire which took place February 18th between 7-8pm.

The award winning hide is said to be a much loved place for locals and police are now investigating the incident.

NatureScot’s reserve manager Neil Mitchell said: “When I went out to the site this morning I was shocked and saddened to see what has happened to the hide.

“It’s been completely destroyed and what’s worse is we believe the fire was started deliberately.

“The hide is hugely popular and over the years has brought so many people joy, allowing them to experience and connect with nature at the reserve.

“It was a beautiful building that has won several awards, and many visitors will have snapped views from it. Sadly we’ve now had to fence off the site for public safety.

“While it’s gutting to see it destroyed, the response from the community and the general public has been amazing.

“Given this bird watching site’s popularity and fantastic loch side location, we are determined to replace the hide as soon as possible.

“We would urge anyone with information about the fire to contact Police Scotland.”

The hide, built in 2011 and situated on the edge of Kinross behind the Todd and Duncan factory, had won awards for its architectural design.

Chief Inspector Graham Binnie of Police Scotland said: “Starting fires deliberately is reckless, dangerous and risks lives. In this case, the bird hide has been completely, and unnecessarily, destroyed.

“We are investigating this as a deliberate act and would ask anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour in the area on Thursday evening, or has information to identify those responsible, to report this to us as soon as possible.

“Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 and quote incident number 0573 of 19 February.”