Diocese appeals for donations to repair vandalised graves

The Diocese of Paisley has appealed for donations to help repair vandalised graves in East Renfrewshire.

Around 40 headstones were smashed and a large crucifix set on fire at Barrhead the weekend, in scenes locals previously told the BBC were "horrendous".

The diocese announced it would contribute an initial sum of £15,000 to formally launch the appeal, with an online fund set up for future funding that will go towards helping affected families.

A 39-year-old man appeared at Paisley Sheriff Court on Monday charged with vandalism and wilful fire raising in connection with the incidents.

A spokesperson for the diocese said it was "incredibly grateful" for donations that have already come in, but external funding via other online funds could not have gift aid applied, which would add extra cash to the total raised.

The spokesperson added: "External funds make it difficult to manage the distribution of donations to the affected families.

Donations which come to the diocese allow us to liaise with the owners of the lairs and fund the necessary repairs to their gravestones."

The spokesperson also said that the diocese thanked everyone who has already offered support.

Word of the vandalism began to spread on social media on Sunday, followed by a statement from the Bishop of Paisley, John Keenan.

By Monday the graveyard was filled with families checking whether graves of their loved ones had been affected.

A staff member at the cemetery told BBC Scotland on Monday he had never seen vandalism like it in more than 30 years working there.

One woman told BBC Scotland: "To see all this damage is horrendous. Everybody is in shock, they can't quite believe it. It's very emotional."