Vandals strike at churchyard

Police officers are hunting the vandals responsible for desecrating a Perthshire burial ground.

The “reckless and unnecessary” damage dealt to the Little Leny Chapel in Callander saw at least one headstone damaged and another pushed over.

The site has historical importance and the rampage is said to have left local people “disgusted”.

Investigators are now hot on the heels of the vandals and want the public to help them track down those responsible.

The criminals are said to have targeted the churchyard sometime between the evening of Thursday May 4 and the morning of Sunday May 7.

Sergeant David McNally from Callander police station said: “This is a burial ground of historic importance to the local community.

“It is where members of the Buchanan family are interred and this has been a reckless and unnecessary act of destruction.

“Members of the public are rightly disgusted with this incident and I would urge anyone who believes they can assist with our inquiries to contact police immediately.”

Sergeant McNally added: “The railway track that runs alongside the cemetery is now a cycle path, meaning there may be potential witnesses.

“I would urge anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious to get in touch by calling Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”