Highland Council issues appeal for information following vandalism to the controversial artwork, The Gathering Place, in Inverness

Highland Council is urging anyone with information about those responsible for vandalism to a controversial new riverside artwork in Inverness to contact the police.

It follows the appearance of graffiti on The Gathering Place by the River Ness for the third time in just over a week.

The structure, an amphitheatre with curved walls on either side of the river near Bught Park, was completed at the end of last month.

But within days, it was the target of vandalism.

A spokesman for Highland Council said: "It is so disappointing and sad to hear that the Gathering Place has been vandalised for the third time in just over a week.

"Arrangements have been made to remove the graffiti.

"We would urge anyone with information about who may have been responsible for any or all of these incidences of graffiti to contact Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

The structure – created from Clashach stone – forms part of Highland Council’s £758,350 River Connections Public Art Programme but it has divided public opinion and prompted heated debate.

Graffiti appears on controversial new artwork

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