AN MSP has slammed yobs who smashed up the premises of an award winning restaurant in Ayr.

Last Friday (September 17) around 4am the group of vandals entered the car park at The Fox and Willow and smashed the venue’s garden decorations and destroyed a selection of condiments, whilst blaring music from inside the domes.

They also damaged residents' cars in the area.

Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown has called on the community to show it 'will not stand for this type of behaviour' and to get in touch with police if they can help identify the vandals.

She said: “I was horrified when I saw the mindless acts of vandalism carried out at the Fox and Willow beer garden.

“Such an effort has gone into the domes and the décor, making it an inviting outdoor space – especially during the height of the pandemic.

“To see parts of it destroyed is beyond cruel and shows a complete disregard for the business and an utter lack of respect for their hard work.”

“It is no doubt soul-destroying for the staff there to witness this, especially so soon after they won Restaurant of the Year at the Dram Awards. I know everyone at the Fox and Willow will be upset and disappointed and rightly so, but I know they will come back from this. I continue to wish them every success for the future.

“Residents’ cars were also targeted, and this is completely unacceptable. We have all seen the images on social media and I would urge anyone who knows anything about this crime to contact Police Scotland on 101. We have to show these vandals that this community will not stand for this type of behaviour.”

Just two weeks ago, The Fox and Willow was celebrating being crowned best restaurant in Scotland by the Scottish Pub and Bar Awards.

A post from the restaurant the morning after the incident said: “Firstly, we would like to apologise to our neighbours for any noise disturbance around 4am this morning. It was not from anyone who works within The Fox and Willow.

“It was this group of teenagers… who decided they would be nice enough to break into one of our domes last night and trash it. They then smashed our condiments up and enjoyed a kick around with our garden decor, destroying it.

“Hoods went up as they saw our CCTV, however this doesn’t always hide your identity.

“Get a life, find something better to do and don’t be so disrespectful to others belongings.

“Any information from the power of Facebook would be great.

“Please feel free to phone the venue on 01292 262846 and ask for Lauren.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We received a report of vandalism at a premises on Carrick Road in Ayr which is believed to have occurred around 4am on Friday, September 17, 2021. Enquiries are at an early stage.”