ANCIENT standing stones, which are described as being “nationally important,” have been vandalised as police have launched an investigation into the incident.
The Stone Circle, known locally as The Druids, are granite standing stones likely to date to the 3rd millennium BC.
Found just north of Monymusk in Inverurie, the monument is described by Historic Environment Scotland as being “of national importance” due to the site's inherent potential to make a “significant addition to the understanding of the past, in particular the religious and ritual practices of late-Neolithic and Bronze-Age peoples in Scotland”.
However, police are now searching for a group of youths after the standing stones were vandalised, with yellow and white paint sprayed on them.
Officers said that two trees nearby were also set alight, and a large stack of firewood near the Bothy Walk area of Monymusk was also torched.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was called to the scene of the blazes and was able to extinguish the fires with no damage caused to any other property.
Police are now seeking to identify a group of youths seen in the Aberdeenshire village with a number of long, yellow spray canisters prior to the incident.
Constable Wayne Young from Alford Community Policing Team said: “This type of behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated, and the police are looking for anyone who witnessed, heard or who can identify any of the suspects to come forward”.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous, quoting incident 1736 of 16/05.
