200-year-old cathedral gravestones vandalised
MINDLESS acts of vandalism in the graveyard at Brechin Cathedral - with stones dating back two centuries targeted - has prompted pleas for those responsible to be dealt with by the full force of the law Some of the stones which have been vandalised date from the early 1800s and cathedral officials, who have suffered through similar acts of vandalism in the past, have asked that anyone with information on this latest debacle to come forward and get in touch with Tayside Police immediately.
Archie Milne of the property team at the cathedral said: "The stones were found on Sunday morning when the church was being opened up for worship, so the damage obviously occurred some time prior to that.
"This has resulted in two of the stones being extensively damaged and probably beyond probable repair.
"We did start locking the gates at night after sustaining acts of vandalism and there was no doubt that this made a significant difference.
"However, there is still access to the graveyard from the path from Skinner's Burn into the back of the grounds and we have no control over that whatsoever.
"We are hopeful, however, that a footprint found in the grounds, which was being worked on by Tayside Police's forensic people, may provide a lead in a bid to find those responsible.
"I am almost certain it's children who are responsible. One gravestone, which hasn't been secured, has been pushed over and hit another one, which has been secured. There has been an almighty crack and I reckon those responsible have then run off.
"That, of course, is purely a guess and we are hopeful someone will come forward with more information.
"The anger to see such wanton vandalism is beyond words. The stones date back to 1811 and are now lost for ever.
"We are in the process of looking at the church records to see if anyone can come up with names for any living relatives of those who are laid to rest in the graveyard, so we can get in touch with them."
The first gravestone relates to James Farquhar and Jane Mitchell. James died in 1850. Also mentioned are their children George, William, Annie, James and Jane herself in 1896. The family seem to be well scattered, with most of them actually being buried elsewhere.
The second gravestone relates to the family of Thomas Birse, who died in 1813. He was a surgeon in Brechin. One son died abroad but James Shepherd Birse was also a surgeon in Brechin and died in 1845. There was also a daughter Margaret who died in 1851.
"This seems to be just another act of vandalism that the town could do without but for some reason, is plagued with," adds Archie.
"The incident has been reported to the local police and they will be making enquiries.
"No doubt it will be impossible to trace the person or persons responsible but, by the way these stones have toppled, it was by good fortune no one was hurt in the process."
A spokesman for Tayside Police said: "This has been a mindless act of vandalism which has occurred in the last week.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious relating to this area in Brechin in the last few days.
"Anyone who thinks they may have any relevant information is asked to get in touch with Tayside Police immediately."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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