Remembrance garden vandalised in 'deplorable act of malicious violence'
Wooden crosses and sign damaged with items scattered across site commemorating Britain's armed forces
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A remembrance garden has been vandalised in an “act of malicious violence”.
The incident happened at the site in East Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh between 12am and 9am on Saturday.
Damage was caused to wooden crosses and a sign, with items scattered across the poppy garden.
A joint statement from Poppyscotland and Legion Scotland said: “When our staff and volunteers arrived for duty yesterday morning they were understandably distressed by what they found.
“This is a truly deplorable and disrespectful act of malicious violence which has caused immense upset to countless people.
“The garden and field of remembrance is a very special place and thousands of locals and visitors alike spend time reflecting and remembering there each year.”
Staff worked to restore the site after contacting police.
The garden is a tribute to those who have served or continue to serve in the UK’s armed forces.
Hundreds of hours are spent each year planting more than 8,000 poppies.
Wreaths are also laid by representatives of a wide spectrum of organisations during a service to remember the fallen at the opening of the garden.
Inspector Alan Struthers, of Howdenhall police station, said: “This is a reckless and thoughtless act and we need the public’s help to trace whoever did this.
“We have already conducted local enquiries. The gates were locked so the person or persons who did this would’ve had to climb over the fence.
“We would ask if anyone saw anything suspicious to speak to a police officer or contact us on 101, quoting incident number 1318.”
Poppies growing on First World War battle sites inspired Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae to write the poem In Flanders Fields.
The flower has since become a symbol of remembrance.
PA
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments