Vandalism threatens Aberdeenshire Cricket Club matches
Suspected vandalism at a leading cricket ground has put major fixtures at the venue next summer in doubt.
Weed-killer is thought to have been poured over sections of the pitch at Aberdeenshire Cricket Club's home in Mannofield, Aberdeen.
It is believed the damage, which has prevented the grass growing, may have been caused several months ago.
Staff now hope they can get the pitch ready for an International Cup match between Scotland and Canada in July.
'Loss of revenue'
Groundsman Ken McCurdie told BBC Radio Scotland: "Somebody has looked to sabotage our square.
"This is a particularly potent and virulent weed-killer, which stays in the soil.
"It's going to cost us money to renovate 10 of the 12 senior pitches that have been affected.
"And we will lose out from a loss of revenue as well. We've been hosting Scotland matches every year since 2004."
Scotland's opening fixtures in the Clydesdale Bank Pro 40 had been scheduled for Mannofield but the matches against Surrey and Nottinghamshire on 6 and 7 May have now been switched to The Grange in Edinburgh.