Outrage after war memorial targetted by 'shameful' vandalism

Graffiti was spray-painted on the carved stone of the site in Camelon, Falkirk.

Outrage after Camelon War Memorial in Falkirk targetted by ‘shameful’ grafitti vandalism — Provost Robert Bissett at Camelon War Memorial. LDRS

Kirsty Paterson, Local Democracy Reporting Service

31st Mar 2023

Falkirk’s provost has said he is appalled after vandals spray-painted grafitti on Camelon’s war memorial.

Provost Robert Bissett, who is a founding member of Bainsford War Memorial Association, said the vandalism at Lock 16 is “shameful” and disrespectful to the memories of the fallen.

He has written to Police Scotland’s Falkirk area commander, chief inspector Lynsey Kidd, who has assured him the offence will be investigated.

It is unclear what the writing on the memorial means and provost Bissett said he is continuing to make enquiries.

He said: “It’s really appalling to see this – it is just so disrespectful. These men gave their lives and fought for our freedom.

“This should be almost like hallowed ground – you just don’t do that.”

The grafitti is on the carved stone benches that sit in front of the five steel panels, with the names of more than 260 men from Camelon who fell in the service of their country in the First World War.

Each of the panels has a symbolic jagged cut down its middle.

Provost Bissett said he wants to send a strong message to the perpetrators that such crimes will not be tolerated.

Grafitti can be reported to Falkirk Council but the provost is urging anyone who has information on the incident, or who sees grafitti on any war memorial, to report it to the police.