Cumbrae church minister talks of distress at Nativity damage

Reverend Dr Graham McWilliams said he and members of the congregation at Cumbrae Parish Church were shocked to discover the damage caused to the display.

He said that the church had reluctantly reported the incident - which was discovered on Sunday morning - to Police Scotland.

Reverend McWilliams said: "Why someone would do such a thing is beyond me. It is unbelievable.

"What is the value of doing it and destroying something so simple and profound that brings joy and happiness to people at this time of year by what it is depicting?

"It is a very sad reflection on modern society."

Mr McWilliams explained that the Nativity scene had been built a few years ago by one of the church's members, Mr Bill Lindsay. 

He added: "We are hoping that it can be repaired, or at the very least an element of it can be reconstructed from what is damaged.

"One thing about Cumbrae Parish Church is that you would only visit if you were intending to go there, given its location.

"It is not the sort of place you just pass by. Why anyone felt the need to vandalise a Nativity scene is beyond me.

"We alerted the police to the matter. This is not something that the church enjoys doing, as we do like people to live their lives, but not when it comes to the detriment of others or property.

"So we reluctantly alerted police and they will be investigating.

"The chances are it was young people and it was a bit of high jinks. Maybe the people involved could come to the church and explain their actions.

"We have to demonstrate that the church is not there to be trodden upon.

"We feel that is why it is important to highlight this matter and make the people involved aware that this kind of behaviour is entirely unacceptable in society."

In a statement posted on the church's Facebook page, a spokesperson said that young people often hang about outside the church building during the evenings without issue.

However, following Saturday night's incident, security cameras are set to be installed.

The spokesperson said: "Sad to be met this morning by the vandalism of our Nativity scene and the rubbish left at the entrance of the church last night.

"We know the young people meet and sit at the front of the church of an evening, and have been doing so for some time.

"We've never objected. But we have reported this to the police, and cameras will now have to be installed - something we thought we shouldn't have to do on our island.

"If anyone has any information, please contact the local police."

Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.