Historic standing stones vandalised in Aberdeenshire as police hunt youths with spray paint

Historic standing stones have been vandalised in Aberdeenshire.

Yellow and white paint was sprayed onto ‘The Stone Circle’ just north of Monymusk in Inverurie between 6.45pm and 7.10pm on May 15.

The granite stones, known to locals as The Druids, are likely to date to the 3rd millennium BC, according to Historic Environment Scotland.

The monument is described as being “of national importance because it has an inherent potential to make a significant addition to the understanding of the past, in particular the religious and ritual practices of late-Neolithic and Bronze-Age peoples in Scotland”.

Police Scotland said two trees nearby were also set alight.

A short time later, a large stack of firewood was also set alight near the Bothy Walk area of Monymusk.

Both fires were quickly extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service with no damage to any other property.

Officers are keen to identify a group of youths seen in the village with a number of long, yellow spray canisters prior to the incident.

Constable Wayne Young from Alford Community Policing Team said: “This type of behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated, and the police are looking for anyone who witnessed, heard or who can identify any of the suspects to come forward”.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous, quoting incident 1736 of 16/05.