Highland town branded ‘no-go area’ after teen thugs deliberately ‘drive at’ and launch potatoes at tourists
A Grantown-on-Spey B&B owner was outraged after her guests were left visibly shaken, and with marked farces, after 'hard' potatoes were chucked at them
A HIGHLAND town has been turned into a "no-go" zone after teen yobs drove at a group of tourists - and launched potatoes at them.
Visitors to Grantown-on-Spey were said to be "visibly shaken", and left with marked faces, after the incident.
And locals also claim youths often "jump out" or launch into foul-mouthed tirades at passers-by.
There have also been problems with noisy cars and nuisance bikers.
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B&B owner Anne MacDonald told the Press and Journal: "We are very sad and disappointed at how two of our guests were treated in Grantown.
“A couple staying with us a few days ago had been out for a lovely meal and were enjoying their stroll back when some idiots thought it was funny to drive straight at them and throw what can only be described as hard potatoes at them.
“The lady’s face was hit and marked. Her husband was also hit.
“There are now two very upset guests who will never return to Grantown – and they have travelled to many places around the world and not been treated like this.
“Other guests staying with us were shocked.
“There was idiotic behaviour like this last year. These kids in the car are someone’s children who live here or nearby – I’m sure they would be enraged had this happened to their parents.
“We all need to try and stop this kind of behaviour, for the sake of Grantown. We need the tourists to feel welcome for the future of our economy.”
Retired banker Margo Whitehead, who lives near to the town centre, believes antisocial behaviour is getting worse.
She said: “The town square is a no go area. If it is not a car revving up, or young people jumping out on you, it is kids on bikes causing chaos.
“People are afraid to go out at night. And woe betide anyone who tries to speak to them – all you get is foul language.”
It's believed police have been made aware of the issues on several occasions by the community council.
Chairwoman Linda Coe said the latest incident had prompted fears the problems were escalating.
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She added: “While people will see this and think it is no where on the same scale as the knife crime that is being experienced in other parts of the country, we should be very careful not to dismiss it. ”
“Hopefully by shining a light on this matter parents will realise it is their child and will speak to them about their behaviour before it gets any worse.”
Councillor Bill Lobban said: “I suppose I make the assumption it is just kids being kids. But when it comes to people being hurt in the street – it is a problem.
“If kids are doing this, then it needs to be stopped.”
A community engagement event is being held outside the Grantown's Co-op store on Friday.
A the community council will have a stall in the town on Saturday so the issue can be discussed with locals.
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