Businessman's offer to help clean up cemetery

As enquiries continue into finding those responsible for vandalising 60 headstones in a Kirkcaldy cemetery, a local businessman has offered help with the clean up.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Jan 2016, 10:43 BST
PCs McCulloch and Kaye survey the damage with Liz Murphy. Pic: FPAPCs McCulloch and Kaye survey the damage with Liz Murphy. Pic: FPA
PCs McCulloch and Kaye survey the damage with Liz Murphy. Pic: FPA

Callum Kerr, who runs a one-man gardening business, contacted the Press in the aftermath of one of the worst acts of vandalism seen in a Fife cemetery, to see if there was anything he could do.

The incident happened over the festive period when around 60 headstones were deliberately toppled within Bennochy Cemetery.

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Mr Kerr (28), who runs Supreme Garden Maintenance in Buckhaven, said: “I would like to offer my help in righting this dreadful wrong. I am a small gardening business and I would be more than happy to help in any way at all.”

Liz Murphy, bereavement services manager with Fife Council said she would contact Mr Kerr to discuss his “kind offer.”

“We are working closely with our colleagues in Police Scotland to look at ways of stopping similar acts of vandalism in the future. This could include things such as increased patrols and education sessions in the area,” she added.

Meanwhile Police Scotland has reissued an appeal for witnesses, saying that enquiries have taken place over the past week but no crucial information had been received.

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PC Mark McCulloch, from the Kirkcaldy community team , said: “Door-to-door enquiries have been carried out along with a letter drop in the local area appealing for information. A further appeal was placed on the entrance gates to the cemetery, however we’re still appealing for people to get in touch with information that will provide the breakthrough in catching whoever committed this appalling crime.

“Anyone who witnessed these acts, saw suspicious behaviour in the area, or has any information that can assist is asked to get in touch.”

Did you see anything?

The vandalism happened some time between Thursday, December 24 and Monday, January 4 when around 60 headstones within Bennochy Cemetery on Balsusney Road were deliberately knocked over, causing around £12,000 worth of damage.

Fife Council said it would cost between £150-£200 per stone to repair.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Related topics:Liz MurphyFife CouncilKirkcaldyPolice ScotlandFife