Former employee at world-renowned Findhorn Foundation eco community admits burning down two buildings

AN employee of the Findhorn Foundation took revenge on the organisation after being told he was being made redundant by setting fire to the community centre he managed and another building.

Joseph Clark, who caused an estimated £400,000 worth of damage, had been told in December, 2020 that he would be made redundant in April this year after 16 years service at the Moray eco-village.

Inverness Sheriff Court was today told that on April 12, the 59-year-old wilfully set fire to the centre and the Sanctuary, reducing them both to rubble after the roofs and walls collapsed.

A cleaner spotted the flames about 2am and alerted the emergency services.

A total of 10 fire appliances tackled the blaze and with the help of a low wind, managed to prevent the fire from spreading to other buildings, fiscal depute Martina Eastwood told the court.

Clark, described as an Inverness prisoner, appeared from custody and admitted wilful fire raising. Sentence was deferred by Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald until August 16 for a background report.

Clark's lawyer, Stephen Carty, said his client had instructed him not to apply for bail.

Ms Eastwood said Clark lived in accommodation owned by the Foundation and he was to be made jobless and homeless on the day he set the buildings alight in the early hours.

As firefighters tackled the inferno, Clark turned up at Forres Police Station to turn himself in. He couldn't gain access but spoke into the intercom.

A police vehicle then arrived with two police officers.

Ms Eastwood added: "They were flagged down by the accused. He approached them and stated he wished to hand himself in.

"He said 'My name is Joseph Clark. I used to be employed by Findhorn Foundation and I have burned down two buildings."

Clark's solicitor, Stephen Carty told Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald that the Foundation had written a letter of reference for his client and he handed it over to the bench.