The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
2020 chairman is ‘sick’ over abbey vandalism
Group chairman’s promise to continue work as cost of vandalism could reach four figures
The chairman of the Arbroath 2020 group says vandals who targeted the town’s abbey have made him “sick to the stomach”.
Harry Simpson blasted the yobs who climbed up scaffolding to spray paint graffiti on the stonework.
The pavement and security fences were also daubed with “AYT”, believed locally to stand for “Arbroath Young Team”.
A ladder was used to smash a window, chairs were removed from the main building and fire extinguishers were discharged.
Mr Simpson, who heads up the group co-ordinating the year of special events taking place in the town to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the 1320 Declaration of Arbroath, said: “This incident frankly makes me sick to the stomach that people would damage this magnificent abbey.
“This is nothing more than mindless vandalism, and it is sad that people are getting away with it, especially as the stonework may never fully be repaired.”
As a former firefighter, Mr Simpson said he was appalled fire extinguishers had been set off.
“Fire extinguishers are put in place to save lives and property, so it is particularly irresponsible that they were misused in this way,” he said.
“Even if the culprits are caught, what will happen to them? I think parents must be made accountable.
“Incidents like this will not deter the volunteers at Arbroath 2020 from our project, and we will continue to work hard on a programme of events that celebrates the town’s rich heritage.”
Historic Environment Scotland, which runs and maintains the 12th Century site, estimates the cost of repairing the damaged stonework will run “well into four figures”.
It said it could take a week to repair the damaged stonework in a sophisticated, expert-led operation.
A spokesperson for Historic Environment Scotland said: “Our conservation team will be visiting Arbroath Abbey to analyse the paint and assess which method is required to remove the paint from the stonework.”
Youths were also seen jumping from the scaffolding on to the roof of a domestic property nearby.
The scaffolding, thought to be in place until the autumn is to allow moss removal and worn stones to be replaced.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We would be particularly interested to hear from any parents whose children have come home in the evenings with paint on their clothes or smelling of solvent.”
Anyone with information about the incidents is asked contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Incidents like this will not deter the volunteers at Arbroath 2020 from our project. HARRY SIMPSON