NEW figures reveal nearly £60,000 has been spent on vandalism repairs to schools across West Dunbartonshire over the last five years.

The figures, obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from the Scottish Conservatives, show that a total of £59,691 has been spent on repairs to primary, secondary, and additional needs schools in the region since 2018.

In June last year, the Reporter reported that a nursery in Old Kilpatrick was forced to close for two days due to "significant damage" caused by a fire.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Gavinburn Early Learning and Childcare Centre Gavinburn Early Learning and Childcare Centre (Image: Other)

Police confirmed they were treating the incident as deliberate.

At the time, a spokesperson said: "An investigation is ongoing in relation to a wilful fire in the grounds of Gavinburn School on Saturday, June 25.

"We are very aware the impact this damage has on our community and will ensure we engage with partners to identify prevention opportunities.

"Please report ASB via 101."

READ MORE: Images show shocking damage to play hut at Old Kilpatrick nursery after 'deliberate' fire

Across Scotland the cost totals more than £4 million with 22 of the country’s 32 local authorities spending £4,961,189.83 in the last five years. Of this, £1.16million was spent in the last full academic year (2021-22).

The overall bill is believed to be higher as ten local authorities did not provide figures.

Total spent on vandalism repairs to schools in West Dunbartonshire:

2018/19: £35,406.46

2019/20: £14,219.08

2020/21: £1,231.04

2021/22: £5,647.94

2022/23 (to date): £3,188.15

Stephen Kerr MSP, Scottish Conservative shadow education secretary, slammed the figure as “disgraceful”.

Mr Kerr said: “It’s disgraceful that already scarce resources are having to be spent on repairing damage to schools caused by mindless vandals.

“These louts should be ashamed of themselves – but the need for such expensive repairs poses the question as to why the SNP government have not ensured our schools are properly safeguarded and protected in the first place.

“We need effective CCTV systems to act as both a deterrent and a means of identifying and punishing offenders.

“The staggering cost of vandalism is further evidence of the SNP’s inexcusable indifference to the state of Scotland’s schools.

“The new SNP education secretary Jenny Gilruth must get to grips with this issue and ensure that our schools are properly protected.

“Vandals must know that the full weight of the law is there to deal with this destructive, anti-social behaviour."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Education Secretary is deeply concerned that the Conservative spokesperson for Education has described Scottish school pupils as 'louts'.

“We certainly do not need CCTV in our schools watching our children, as the Conservatives appear to be implying.

“The Education Secretary wants to work with Scotland’s children and young people - she will leave the ridiculous name-calling to the Conservatives, whose behaviour in this press release alone evidences why they should be nowhere near making decisions on Scottish education.”