DREGHORN is in danger of losing its proposed sake brewery because of another spate of vandalism.

Mindless thugs have once again targeted the Arran Brewery site at the former Dreghorn Primary School, this time causing £600 worth of damage to a forklift.

Since the investment plan was put forward in 2014, the building has been repeatedly vandalised with thousands of pounds worth of damage caused.

The most recent vandalism occurred between 9.30am and 4am overnight on May 4-5.

Police confirmed that during the alleged break-in that the wiring of the forklift truck was damage.

No arrests have been made and enquiries are still ongoing.

Arran Brewery are still in the process of finding significant investment for the project and hope to create 30 new jobs.

Irvine Times:

But Managing Director Gerald Michaluk says the latest damage could signal the death knell for any further investment.

Speaking this week, he said: “This may well be the last straw and we are now seriously looking at finding a more secure site. 

"We have 24-hour camera surveillance but this is not deterring the criminals. 

“Our new bottling line is on order and we are expecting to install it in late June early July and have started the staff recruitment process.

“It is imperative that our new facility is secure.”

As well as the vandalism, Mr Michaluk unusually voiced his disappointment with the building as a whole.

He added: “The site is, however, also proving problematic for trucks as the tarmac surfaces have not been designed for such heavy vehicles. 

“On top of this the ground is not level enough for safe loading and unloading of vehicles and our chillers have already resulted in complaints from at least one neighbour. 

“These factors combined with the constant fear of break-in and vandalism means we are actively looking for an alternative more suitable secure site nearby.

“Our bottling facility has to be on the mainland for economic reasons.

“In all other respects such as availability of high quality labour, council support, access to market, the site is ideal.

“If we do have to relocate, we would like to find somewhere close by.”