Inverness cemetery has new vandalism deterrents put in place
Highland Council is assessing whether to install CCTV cameras at an Inverness cemetery.
It follows shocking vandalism of gravestones at Tomnahurich Cemetery during the summer.
Sickening footage surfaced on social media showing a youth pulling down and uprooting headstones and smashing a brick against others in an apparent attempt to deface the writing.
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Previous incidents at the cemetery included damage caused to a graveside tap resulting in water pouring onto the west side of the grounds, leaving most of the path and surrounding area flooded, several gravestones being toppled, wheelie bins being set on fire and benches being destroyed.
The local authority has now erected signage stating CCTV is in operation. But there are no cameras on site yet.
Inverness Millburn councillor Isabelle MacKenzie has highlighted vandalism at the cemetery before, stating culprits showed no respect.
“It is despicable that the cemetery where people we know and love, who have been buried and commemorated, is being vandalised,” she said. “Whoever is doing this - and even if underage - should be held responsible.
“With the council and police looking to put in CCTV, this should be some small comfort for those whose friend or relative are laid to rest there.”
A council spokesman said: “Based on police advice, we have erected signs as a deterrent. There are no actual cameras at present but we are actively investigating options for procuring temporary, mobile CCTV solutions for installation early in 2025.”
Police Scotland was approached for comment.