Shock after church’s windows smashed
Comrie community praised for its show of support
Three children have been reported to the youth justice assessor after windows were smashed at a Comrie church last week.
Boys, aged nine and 11, and a nine-year-old girl, were spotted running away from St Margaret’s Church by a local after the alleged vandalism took place.
Canon Tom Shields described the incident – which was reported to Police Scotland on Thursday, Spetember 9 – as the “worst act of vandalism I have experienced in over 32 years of priesthood”.
Posting on the Facebook page of Crieff’s St Fillan’s RC Church, Canon Tom said: “In a wanton act of destruction, most of the windows in our beautiful church of St Margaret’s, Comrie, have been smashed, leaving glass and debris everywhere.
“We have tried our best to clean up but please take care when moving around the grounds.
“Our thanks to members of the public, joiners, witnesses, parishioners, and the police, who attended with great respect and sympathy.
“This is the worst act of vandalism I have experienced in over 32 years of priesthood.
“Please keep the parishioners of St Margaret’s in your thoughts and prayers.
“The preaching of the gospel continues uninterrupted.”
Canon Tom went on to thank members of the local community – and those further afield – for the messages of support received.
He added: “Many, many thanks to everyone who has expressed sympathy and support.
“You have shown us what real community is about.
“I shall offer Mass for your intentions.”
Strathearn ward councillor Stewart Donaldson branded the incident “disgraceful”.
He said: “What happened at St Margaret’s Church was appalling.
“St Margaret’s is so much more than a place of faith and
worship and what is a beautiful little church on the banks of the Lednock saw a deplorable act of vandalism.
“All of the windows to the side of the church have been smashed in.
“I know many of the parishioners and others helped to clear up, and they are to be thanked.
“The police were also in attendance and should be praised for their efforts.
“I very much hope that those who committed this disgraceful act are brought to justice soon, however young they may be.
“They have to be made fully aware of the consequences of their actions, and the distress they have caused.”
A Po l i c e Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 6.25pm on Thursday [September 9], we received a report of vandalism at a premises on Drummond Street in Comrie.
“Officers attended and three children – two boys, aged nine and 11, and a nine year-old girl – have been referred to the youth justice assessor in connection with the incident.”
I very much hope that those who committed this disgraceful act are brought to justice soon, however young they may be