Vandal attack on limo leaves Highland businessman facing massive bill as police issue appeal to help find culprits

POLICE are hunting vandals who trashed a limo used for weddings and other special occasions in and around the Highland capital.

Owner George Riddell (70) of Nairn said he believes the damage will run into thousands of pounds and was simply the work of mindless vandals.

Specialist glass is required for the white eight-passenger limo, a Chrysler 300C, and glass may have to come from the USA to repair it.

Another vehicle in his fleet, a 16-seat minibus, was entered and had tables inside damaged.

It was parked alongside the limo at a farm just outside Balloch on Sunday (February 13) when the damage was inflicted between 2pm and 5pm.

Mr Riddell said: "I have used the farm for 15 years with no trouble. I think this was just the work of mindless vandals, but it is heartbreaking just the same.

"I have a condition that affects my mobility and so was working with John Stewart from Inverness who is in business with me. I got the limo in 2019 but then Covid hit, and it has been out of work for two years.

"We were just getting ready to start up again, and now this happens. There was a substantial amount of work done on the car during the lay-off, and bookings were coming in showing there was potential for this kind of specialist hire work.

"Now we cannot accept limo bookings until the car is fixed, and might not be able to fulfil bookings we already have such as weddings if we cannot get repairs done quickly. The windows are huge and the glass might have to come from America."

Mr Riddell said insurance might cover it, but there was a £100 excess to pay per window for the limo so that would be an £800 expense right away.

The 3.5litre car, bought in England for more than £20,000, is the flagship of the Riddell's Top Class car business, which includes the minibus, a VW Transporter shuttle bus, two Jags and two vintage cars.

Mr Stewart went online and appealed to the public for information leading to catching the culprit or culprits, and there was a huge sympathetic response.

Mr Stewart said: "Not nice for the brides who are getting married in the next couple of weeks to have their day ruined. The glass down the sides is specialised and made to measure, so no quick replacement I'm afraid."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 5pm on Sunday, 13 February, officers in Inverness received a report of vandalism to a Chrysler limousine and a mini bus at a farm in the Balloch area. Inquiries into the matter are ongoing.”