'Irreplaceable' historic headstone vandalised in broad daylight

Officers are looking to speak with a woman who was seen in the area and could aid their investigation.

‘Irreplaceable’ historic headstone vandalised at Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh — Greyfriar's Kirkyard: Historic headstone in 16th-century graveyard vandalised in broad daylight as police call for witnesses. Police Scotland

29th Aug 2022

An “irreplaceable” historic headstone has been vandalised, and had its marble facing stolen, from an iconic graveyard in Edinburgh.

The incident is believed to have occurred between 10.30am and 4.30pm on August 21, at Greyfriars Kirkyard on Candlemaker Row.

The 16th-century graveyard is the final resting place of hundreds of notable Edinburgh residents and is protected under Scottish law as a category A listed building.

Police said the headstone had “historic significance” and was “irreplaceable” as they appealed for information following the crime.

The headstone was destroyed by vandals in broad daylight. Police Scotland

Officers specifically wish to speak with one woman seen in the area, who has been described as being around 5ft 6in tall, with red or ginger hair and a slim build.

She was wearing a striped purple and white top, black bottoms, lime green socks and trainers and spoke with an American accent.

Police Sergeant Charlotte Crerar of Gayfield Police Station said: “We are appealing for information following the vandalism and theft of a marble facing stolen from the headstone.

Marble facing which adorned the historic gravestone was also stolen. Police Scotland

“We are keen to trace a woman who was seen in the area. She is described as being around 5ft 6in tall, with red/ginger hair and of slim build.

“She was wearing a striped purple and white top, black bottoms, lime green socks and trainers and spoke with an American accent.

“The headstone is of historic significance and is irreplaceable and anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0834 of Thursday, August 25.”