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AN 18-year-old man has been charged after a skate and bike park in Inverness was damaged by fire in the early hours of Saturday, police have confirmed.

Highland Skate Parks Association (HSPA), which runs the site near Bught Park, was contacted by Police Scotland at around 3am on Saturday after the shelter near a track was set on fire.

The blaze left the shelter unusable, as well as damaging a bench, the surrounding fences and part of the tarmac. Further damage is still to be assessed.

HSPA chairwoman Natalie Murray said: "I was really upset when I heard what had happened, especially after seven years being involved in the project, such acts show a lack of respect for the hard work we put in it.

"These facilities are not run by the council. We're a small group of committee members and volunteers who put in our time and effort to offer people a safe place to skate.

"The park is a really positive environment, there are people of all kinds coming to enjoy our facilities and many come from all over the country to use them.

"The community has really been supportive and helped us clean up the area."

HSPA has launched an online appeal to raise £5000 that will enable it to rebuild what was damaged. More may be needed after a full assessment.

A committee meeting will be held this week to decide how to deal with the renovation process.

Police Scotland confirmed that an 18-year-old man has been charged and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

No lights will be on at both the skate park or the pump track, which will remain open during daytime.

The destruction of the shelter is expected to affect the bike and skate coaching sessions planned for the upcoming school holidays.

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