'Greta was here': 'Eco-extremists' cover GlasGLOW in obscene graffiti

The site of GlasGLOW, a family event in Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens, was vandalised by “eco-extremists” on Saturday.

Just hours after hundreds of local kids and families had enjoyed the show on Friday, staff discovered graffiti scrawled across pieces of the light show.

It comes after weeks of criticism towards the event, claiming itison is “abusing wildlife and destroying the gardens” by hosting the event.

“Alongside the entire team I’m saddened and disgusted by the mindless vandalism that took place at GlasGLOW early this morning,” said Oli Norman, CEO of itison.

The dinosaur exhibits were written on with pink paint. Itison

“This behaviour has nothing to do with the climate emergency or protecting wildlife, and everything to do with a small minority of individuals trying to tell us what we can and can’t do in our public spaces.”

The company said that ecology and sustainability experts were comfortable the event poses “no negative impact on the ecology within the gardens”.

It has committed to working on a detailed sustainability plan alongside Glasgow City Council and have published a sustainability plan.

Concerns have been raised about GlasGLOW's sustainability in the past. — Concerns have been raised about GlasGLOW’s sustainability in the past. Itison

“We have been accused of ‘green washing’ for using biofuels and donating tens of thousands to local charities and labelled ‘corporate greedy’ for employing over 270 local people to deliver GlasgGLOW,” Mr Norman continued.

“We are a local company putting on an event bringing families and friends together to spread light and joy in the dark months.”

Itison says the act 'undermines the cause of environmental groups that genuinely want to drive change'. — Itison says the act ‘undermines the cause of environmental groups that genuinely want to drive change’. Itison

He added that he believes the vandals should be punished, for not just disrupting a widely attended event, but also for undermining “the cause of environmental groups that genuinely want to drive change”.

Itison said the perpetrators had been caught on CCTV footage, which has been released to police, and asked for anyone with information to contact police directly.

Saturday night’s show is set to go ahead as planned, with a 24-hour security detail implemented.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Saturday, October 29, police received a report of a vandalism that took place earlier that morning at an event in Botanic Gardens, Glasgow.

“Police enquiries are ongoing into this report and anyone with information that may assist the enquiry should contact 101 with reference 1472 of October 29.”

STV News has approached Glasgow City Council for comment.