This had been paid for by the tax-payer from SNH funds and was only opened a year ago. It was part of the new Loch Leven Heritage Trail and was fast becoming a real community asset.

SNH had held several well attended drop-in sessions for the public throughout the year as the hide gives visitors the opportunity to spot some of the interesting birdlife at the reserve. Members of the local community had also taken part in a host of community projects including tree planting at the site.

Paul Brooks, SNH’s reserve manager said: “We have had lots of positive feedback about how pleasant it is to sit in the quiet of the hide. With over 100 different species of birds now recorded from the hide, it was well visited throughout the day. It’s such a shame that someone has either deliberately or accidentally set it on fire and it has been completely destroyed. The children from a local primary were due to visit the hide only next week as part of their school project. This part of their visit will now have to be cancelled which will be very disappointing for the children.”

Police are investigating the incident and anyone with information about the fire should contact them.