Treasured stained glass window vandalised
Vandals have damaged a treasured stained glass window at a Stirling church.
The incident is thought to have occurred last week at St Mark’s Church in Raploch.
The colourful window depicts a winged lion with the message ‘Peace Be With You’.
St Mark’s minister the Rev Barry Hughes said: “The window is situated right above the pulpit, so the congregation can see it every Sunday.
“We noticed yesterday (Wednesday, November 24) that it had two holes.
“I’d say it has been hit with some force. There was a big electrical component lying underneath the window outside. It looked like a print cartridge.
“We’re surmising that has been used to cause the damage. I think it’s possible it has happened this week.
“I have been here for almost three years and this is the first act of vandalism has occurred at the church since I arrived.”
The window was installed when the current St Mark’s building was erected in 1965.
Mr Hughes added: “It is particularly special. The winged lion depicted in the window is the symbol of St Mark, after whom the church in Raploch is named, so for that reason the window is of especial significance to us as a congregation, given it is synonymous with the building.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We received a report of vandalism at a church on Drip Road, Raploch, on Wednesday, 24 November.
“It’s believed the incident may have happened between 7pm on Tuesday, November 23, and 1.40pm on Wednesday, November 24.
“Local officers are scheduled to meet with the reporter to gather more information.
“If anyone has any information, please call us on 101 quoting incident 1541 of 24 November.”