A couple from a quiet Scottish village say they are living in a state of siege, forced to barricade themselves inside their own home due to an 18-month campaign of terror waged by a neighbour with a staggering criminal record.
A Life Turned Upside Down
Christopher and Amy Masterson, who moved to the idyllic rural village of Forth in South Lanarkshire in 2016, describe their lives as a nightmare since the harassment began in 2024. Their neighbour, 47-year-old Peter Ferguson, who has accrued more than 140 criminal convictions, subjects them to relentless verbal abuse and intimidation.
Doorbell camera footage has captured Ferguson shouting vile abuse at Ms Masterson and ringing their bell late at night before running away. The couple claim the situation has escalated to the point where they fear for their physical safety, leading to extreme measures within their own home.
Living in Constant Fear
The Mastersons now barricade their front and back doors every night using luggage and household appliances, a desperate attempt to feel secure. Mr Masterson, who suffers from ill health following a stroke, has taken to sleeping in the living room, terrified the house could be set alight.
"The front door would have ladders, a suitcase, a washing pole thing, and the letterbox taped up, just in case anybody could put something through it," Ms Masterson, 42, explained. "It's not really good fire regulation, but it was the only way we could feel safe."
The psychological toll has been severe. Ms Masterson has been prescribed antidepressants, and the family's mental health has deteriorated. "I believe he's picking on us because I can't defend myself because of my ill health," said Mr Masterson, who monitors his wife's safety via the video doorbell whenever she leaves the house.
A Broken System and a Fight for Justice
Despite Ferguson being issued with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) in 2024, which banned him from shouting, swearing, making threats, or damaging property for three years, the Mastersons say his behaviour has only worsened since they reported him. They allege he has broken the order repeatedly.
The couple, who have attended court 18 times in relation to the case, are locked in a protracted battle to have Ferguson evicted from his council property next door. South Lanarkshire Council confirms it is pursuing legal action but is subject to court delays.
Trapped in their own home, the Mastersons have even considered selling up but were advised the presence of an ASBO on the neighbour would force them to sell at a significant loss. "It's affected my wife's mental health, our daughter's mental health. I was on the verge of having another stroke," Mr Masterson said. "It's toxic."
A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Council stated: "We have every sympathy with anyone who suffers from anti-social behaviour and we have robust methods in place to deal with this type of behaviour. We are currently waiting for the eviction proceedings being heard at court."
