The Bishop of Paisley, Bishop John Keenan has condemned a series of vicious acts of vandalism carried out in the last 24 hours at the diocesan cemetery, St. Conval’s on Glasgow Road, Barrhead.

Vandals are believed to have entered the grounds of the cemetery in the early hours of 29 June and attacked around 40 headstones, some of which have been demolished. They also attacked a large wooden crucifix some 5 meters in height which was set on fire.

Bishops Keenan said:

“I am saddened and dismayed by this senseless vandalism and the destructive violence behind it. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who have had headstones attacked, as well as with the whole community of relatives and friends who visit St. Conval’s and care for the graves of their loved ones so tenderly.”

Bishop Keenan added:

“My gratitude goes to the St. Conval’s staff who maintain the grounds and administer the cemetery and who now face the distressing task of repairing and making safe damaged graves while comforting distraught families.”

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Paisley said:

“Anyone with any information relating to these attacks is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 1089 of 29 June. Anyone wishing to contact the cemetery staff can do so on: 0141 [phone redacted]

Or stconvalscemeteryrcdop.org.uk.”