Church vandalised for second time in a year

Published on Thursday 17 April 2008 13:43

THE historic St Martin's Kirk in Haddington has been attacked by teenage vandals - for the second time in a year.

The church - which is one of the oldest in Scotland - was targeted by a gang of youngsters last weekend who splattered white paint across the walls and left broken glass strewn in their wake.

Historic Scotland, the body in charge of the 1000-year-old building, said today it was the second time in a year the church had been attacked.

East Lothian Provost, and Haddington councillor, Sheena Richardson described the damage as a "senseless desecration of East Lothian's heritage."

She said: "St Martin's Kirk is probably the oldest church in Scotland and certainly the oldest building in Haddington.

"It is totally unacceptable that such an important part of our architectural and ecclesiastical history should be vandalised."

The remaining walls and floor of the ancient church were splattered with white paint, and the south wall was daubed with the letters W and M.

The vandals also smashed glass bottles leaving sharp, shards scattered across the floor.

A Historic Scotland spokesman said they had received reports from worried locals earlier this year that a wall close to the site had also been vandalised.

He said: "We were contacted to say that a group of young people had been seen vandalising and drinking in the church.

"Historic Scotland sent in a squad the next day to clear up the glass and to start removing the paint. Work is ongoing to undo the damage but it may not be possible to completely remove all traces of the paint.

"It is a real shame that there are a small number of people who are prepared to vandalise an important part of the area's heritage."

A police spokesman said they were investigating the incident.