Edinburgh's War Memorial set on fire by vandals
- Published
Edinburgh's War memorial is outside the City Chambers building in the Royal Mile
Edinburgh's War Memorial has been set on fire - less than 24 hours after Remembrance Sunday services were held.
Several wreaths were completely burnt in the fire and Edinburgh's Stone of Remembrance blackened with soot.
Edinburgh's Lord Provost said it was "disgusting and disrespectful".
The Army major who runs the team that makes the poppies and wreaths said he was "horrified" by the act of vandalism outside the City Chambers building in the Royal Mile.
Major Charlie Pelling, factory manager of the Lady Haig Poppy Factory in Redford Barracks in Edinburgh, told BBC Scotland: "This is deeply insulting to the memory of the men and women the memorial is meant to remember. I'm absolutely horrified."
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was "utterly beyond comprehension".
She said it was "sickening and disgraceful" that someone would vandalise a war memorial.
"I hope those responsible are identified and brought to justice," she said.
It is understood CCTV in the area is now being checked and witnesses are being urged to come forward.
Several wreaths were completely burnt in the fire.
Edinburgh Council workers have now cleaned the war memorial following the fire
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: "Yesterday it was my honour to lay a wreath on behalf of the City of Edinburgh to remember those who served and sacrificed so much.
"The vandalism discovered this morning not only to the recently laid wreaths but also Edinburgh's Stone of Remembrance is disgusting and disrespectful.
"We remain at a loss for the reasons someone could do something like this which has caused a lot of upset for everyone who respects the memories of all who serve their country. We have reported this to the police and would urge anyone who knows anything about what happened to contact them."
Ex-servicemen and women make the wreaths.
Money raised from selling poppies helps support vulnerable ex-servicemen and women - and their families.
Police Scotland confirmed they were investigating the incident.
Four million poppies are made in the Lady Haig Poppy Factory in Redford Barracks
Ch Insp Murray Tait said: "Our inquiries are ongoing after poppy wreaths were set on fire at the war memorial in High Street, Edinburgh about 05:00 on Monday.
"Officers are carrying out inquiries and gathering CCTV footage to find out more information on whoever is responsible.
"I utterly condemn this appalling act of vandalism, especially at this time of year when remembrance services have just been held across the country."
Dr Claire Armstrong, chief executive of Legion Scotland, said: "We are appalled by this absolutely senseless act of vandalism.
"These wreaths were laid in memory of the men and women who sacrificed their lives, and this destruction shows a complete lack of respect for everything they and the Stone of Remembrance stand for.
"This will be extremely upsetting for all the veterans, serving personnel and family members who paid their respects yesterday, especially those who have lost loved ones.
"It is also a huge blow for the veterans with disabilities at Lady Haig's Poppy Factory, who have put their hearts and souls into making these tributes over the last few months."
- Published18 June 2020
