A police investigation is under way after vandals damaged doors at a listed Angus church before setting off fire extinguishers in the empty building.
St Mary’s Scottish Episcopal Church in Kirriemuir was targeted between 12.30pm on Friday and 10am on Saturday.
The church in West Hillbank, which is the only A-listed building in the town, is undergoing renovation work with scaffolding in place at the site.
Reverend Canon Dr Robert Harley said he was informed about the damage by a tradesman who attended the building on Saturday.
He said: “They gained entry by pushing in one of the panels of the door to the crypt. It’s at the north side of the church, hidden from the street.
“That then leads to a staircase and they have forced another door which leads into the church. They have discharged two fire extinguishers. There was a bit of littering as well.
“There’s a mess on the carpet from the fire extinguishers but it can be cleaned. The outside door has been boarded up but will have to be replaced. It’s very disappointing.”
Renovation work at the church is due to take 16 weeks. The major work, which is costing in excess of £200,000, will focus on the stonework of the 1903 structure which has seen some water ingress.
Mr Harley said he was “anxious” that the scaffolding had made the church a target for mischief makers.
“I think the sign of the scaffolding is like a flag flying,” he said.
“I’m anxious that it could happen again although the police have been very helpful and have been making door to door enquiries in the area.”
Police Scotland is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
A police spokesman said: “It is believed vandals have used and emptied fire extinguishers within the property.
“Also, tobacco papers were found within and damage to the door of the undercroft/crypt.
“The building is Kirriemuir’s only grade A listed building and an important part of the heritage.”
Anyone with any information that may be useful should contact Tayside Division on 101 quoting CR/10065/17 or speak to any police officer.
Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
St Mary’s Scottish Episcopal Church is one of the earliest examples by renowned church architect, Sir Ninian Comper.
It was built in 1903 to replace an earlier church destroyed by fire. It has a window dedicated to JM Barrie’s family.
