Whitburn cemetery vandalism to be repaired

Dec 10 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

A BIG-HEARTED firm has stepped in to repair damage caused by vandals at a Whitburn graveyard.

Scotmid have offered their services to put back, for free, the headstones knocked down by thugs during an orgy of vandalism at Manse Road Cemetery six weeks ago.

And they will also repair headstones cracked or damaged in the attack, at cost price.

James Blackburn, Scotmid Head of Funerals, said he was keen to do something to help local people who have seen their loved ones’ graves damaged.

“We were disturbed to hear about the recent desecration of gravestones in Whitburn cemetery,” he said. “Scotmid would like to help the families affected by this mindless vandalism by sending our monumental masons to Whitburn cemetery to re-erect the headstones.

“As a co-operative with eight funeral homes, including one in nearby Armadale, we understand the importance of something like this to the local community.”

Hooligans went on the rampage at the graveyard over the weekend of Hallowe’en, dislodging 19 headstones from their bases, leaving 18 of them knocked over, while seven were chipped or scratched. Two were snapped in two.

West Lothian’s executive councillor for the environment, Robert de Bold, warmly welcomed the offer by Scotmid and said the community is working together to repair the damage caused.

Councillor Robert de Bold said: “We would like to thank Scotmid for their kind offer to re-erect the headstones.

“We also understand that the local ‘Pubwatch’ group is considering how it could help to raise funds to replace the two broken headstones and that Scotmid has offered to provide these at cost.”

But the councillor stressed that no one has been brought to justice over the attack and said it’s vital that anyone with information on those responsible should be passed to police.

Contact Lothian and Borders Police on 01501 740222, or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.