A 16-year-old boy has admitted causing damage to a historic Fife landmark by spray-painting on the walls.
The youth repeatedly sprayed graffiti on the walls of the 12th century St Bridget’s Kirk in Dalgety Bay.
The culprit, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted that on March 24 at St Bridget’s Kirk, St Colme Road, he willfully or recklessly destroyed or damaged property by repeatedly spray-painting on the walls.
At Dunfermline Sheriff Court, sentence was deferred until March 15 for him to be of good behaviour.
Extra security patrols were deployed earlier this year as part of measures to deter gatherings and prevent any further damage.
There had been a number of reported incidents of people congregating at the medieval ruin and engaging in anti-social behaviour.
Sergeant Kate Blackwell, of Dalgety Bay Police Station, said at the time: “St Bridget’s Kirk is a beautiful local landmark and this vandalism has caused significant and long-lasting damage.”
Richard Aitken, of Historic Environment Scotland, said following the damage: “Mindless vandalism like this is not acceptable and very sad, given the long history and significance of the monument.
“We know that many in the community are just as concerned about the defacement of this important piece of local and national heritage as we are, and we would encourage them to play their part by being extra vigilant in reporting any information they have relating to this type of behaviour.
“We are working with Police Scotland and Fife Council to ensure that this kind of behaviour is prevented from re-occurring, and an important monument protected for future generations.”
