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Yobs go on rampage in historic Edinburgh graveyards

Youths smashed headstones, pulled down stone walls and sprayed graffiti in a sickening vandalism spree that caused thousands of pounds worth of damage in two of Edinburgh's most historic graveyards.

Police are linking the attacks in Canongate and Greyfriars Kirkyards, which caused about £15,000 worth of damage.

Gangs of drinkers as young as 15 have been blamed, with kirk ministers reporting up to 40 gathering and causing disruption at night.

The latest acts of vandalism have led to calls for better lighting and CCTV coverage in the graveyards, which are popular visitor attractions and the final resting place of many of the city's most prominent citizens.

Reverend Neil Gardner of Canongate Kirk said vandalism had become a persistent problem at the graveyard, where economist Adam Smith and poet Robert Fergusson are buried.

Police say the vandalism occurred between Monday and Thursday last week. They estimate damage to Canongate Kirkyard at about £12,000, while replacing broken walls and repairing graves in Greyfriars Kirkyard will cost about £3000.

Reverend Richard Frazer of Greyfriars Kirk said the attacks were "upsetting".

He said: "It's a difficult place to police. We don't have a full-time gardener or someone on duty in the churchyard all the time. The area that's been damaged is quite isolated. There's a low stone wall that's been demolished.

Full story at the Edinburgh Evening News.