Vandals target Inverness Cathedral on eve of remembrance events

VANDALS have struck at one of the city's best loved landmarks, Inverness Cathedral of St Andrew.

Staff arriving for work at the cathedral on Wednesday morning were angered and upset at discovering part of the cathedral walls daubed with red paint stating "F*** the Pope" in large capital letters.

Provost of the Scottish Episcopal cathedral, the Very Rev Sarah Murray was due to be on day off on Wednesday but came in to help with arrangements to get the walls cleaned as a matter of urgency in view of the offensive nature of the graffiti in what is one of the city's most photographed buildings, and which this weekend is due to be floodlit in red to mark the Scottish Poppy Appeal and Armistice Day ceremonies.

Andrea MacDonald, assistant manager of the cathedral cafe, said: "Provost Sarah was very upset and angry to see this vandalism. We have told the police, and Highland Council and they have been down to see the damage.

"Arrangements were being made through Inverness BID to have the offensive lettering power washed off the wall which was very nice of them."

Inverness deputy provost Councillor Bet McAllister said: "That is absolutely horrendous. Why would anyone think of doing something like that to our cathedral?

"It is very disappointing especially at this time of year when there is so much going on including the Remembrance Day events. I just don't know where people get their ideas from.

"I am delighted that the council took such quick action to clean the graffiti off, and I hope the police manage to catch the culprit or culprits."

Police Scotland said their inquiries are continuing.

This weekend Inverness Cathedral will be one of almost 150 Scottish landmarks to be glowing red in support of the Scottish Poppy Appeal and in commemoration of Armistice Day. Inverness Castle and Ness Bridge will also be floodlit red.