Vandals could see caves put behind bars

Vandals could force a nationally important heritage site in Fife to be put behind bars for its own protection.

Continuous vandalism and graffiti at the Wemyss Caves has prompted a community group to look into installing metal gates to preserve the world’s largest collection of Pictishinscribed symbols in one place.

The symbols carved into the cave walls are believed to date back more than 1,500 years, while there is archaeological evidence of activity on and around the site for at least 4,000 years.

But with vandals putting the survival of the carvings at risk, the Save Wemyss Ancient Caves Society (SWACS) is seeking the public’s views on the installation of protective gates as soon as possible.

“We are not proposing to shut off the Wemyss Caves,” said Mike Arrowsmith, chairman of SWACS.

“The gates will only be installed in the areas of Jonathan’s and Court Cave that contain carvings. Our intention is that they will be open during daylight but lockable at night which is when most of the damage happens.

“The Wemyss Caves are such a valuable asset in the community and have enormous potential as a visitor destination, but if we don’t take action to secure the carvings, future generations in East Wemyss will lose out on their inheritance.”

The caves, along with the remains of Macduff’s Castle, are designated as a scheduled monument.

SWACS was founded in 1986 to protect and preserve the heritage of the caves, and also manage and ensure safe access to them for locals and visitors.

An original scheme to protect Jonathan’s Cave with metal grilles in the 1980s did not last because of the poor quality of the materials used.

However, the new proposal would replace the broken metalwork in Jonathan’s Cave with sensitively designed gates in resistant materials which will withstand the coastal environment for decades to come.

It would also be possible to incorporate Pictish symbols as a design feature of the gates.

Meanwhile, Court Cave would also benefit from new gates installed inside the cave to protect the area of carvings.

SWACS is working up the proposals and fundraising for the project over the coming months and is seeking views and support from local residents and visitors to the caves.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the consultation can find the link via the SWACS website at www.wemysscaves.org/ caveprotection

Virtual tours are also available of the caves on the website.

“Wemyss Caves are a valuable asset

DAMAGE: Councillor Tom Adams looks over one of the caves showing graffiti carved on to the walls; below, Pictish carvings give an important glimpse into Scotland’s past.

Artist’s impression of the gates that could be used to keep out vandals at night-time.