The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Vandals scratch hate message on cathedral walls
Brechin landmark targeted hours after swastika scored on stonework
Police are investigating after vandals scratched a hate-filled, antireligious message on the walls of a cathedral.
The “totally repulsive” ‘f*** you Jesus’ carving was scratched into Brechin Cathedral’s stonework, alongside a wall of names, by a group of young girls.
The discovery of the vandalism comes after a swastika was scratched on the landmark’s wall, and session clerk Douglas Taylor said “enough is enough”.
He fears carving a name on to the south wall of the building is now being seen as “a badge of honour”.
Church elder Archie Milne said it was “criminal damage and wilful destruction”.
The latest attack was discovered just hours after a number of names, arrows and swastikas were discovered on Sunday.
“This is totally repulsive, and that the girls involved have no idea of what desecration means – and to use the style of language as shown – shows total disrespect,” said Mr Milne.
“Where we would give these young people the benefit of the doubt regarding their awareness of the misdemeanour then, this now has to be considered criminal damage and wilful destruction.
“They think they are being smart and clever by adding their names to the wall but I think it’s time the parents were called to be made aware.
“The police should approach offenders and their parents and then meet with us at the church to show just how abhorrent this situation is.
“This has to stop now. The parents, who are in some cases the legal guardians and responsible persons, must be brought into this.”
Last September, CCTV footage emerged showing youngsters using the building as a playground, ripping down church notices and setting fire to them, as well as running over pews and using a hymn book as a frisbee.
Extra security measures, including anti-climb paint on gates and railings, were put in place at the historic building which is at risk of closure.
The financial position, along with a continuing decline in attendance and the impending departure of the minister, has prompted talks to seek a union with Gardner Memorial Church.
Brechin owes its origins to the medieval cathedral, which is the oldest building in the burgh, and the Celtic monastery which preceded it.
The building itself is to celebrate its 800th anniversary in 2020 and the oldest part of the cathedral is the Pictish round tower which is about 1,000 years old.