Broch vandalism is ‘stupidity with a capital S’
Ryan Taylor
A spate of vandalism at the Clickimin Broch where spot lights were smashed has been described as “stupidity with a capital S” by the chairman of Lerwick Community Council.
Jim Anderson has lamented recent activity which has seen half a dozen lights smashed over a five-month period, with weekends popular for vandals seeking to damage the ancient monument’s surroundings.
The Shetland Times has been told by the broch’s caretaker that some of the vandalism has even taken place during broad daylight, when perpetrators risk being caught red-handed by passers by who are out and about.
The most recent incident happened on Friday, and Mr Anderson said it was depressing that those who were responsible seemed unable to find something better to do with their time.
“I don’t know whether it’s the fine weather we’ve been having. You can’t tell what draws folk there,” he said.
“It’s just vexing. It’s a wonderful site, and for folk to go in there and smash the lights, it’s very vexing.”
He added the vandalism also posed a risk to innocent folk who come along afterwards, with broken glass lying around the area.
“It’s stupid, with a capital S,” Mr Anderson said.
Spates of vandalism have happened at the broch, on and off, for several years – even sparking debate at one stage as to whether CCTV cameras should be installed nearby.
Site owners Historic Scotland have previously been less than keen to see cameras around the broch.
But Mr Anderson suggested a camera in the Sandveien area, possibly from the Sound Service Station, may well keep a beady eye on the one and only way of easily accessing the broch.
The vandalism has been highlighted by broch caretaker Stewart Angus, who has passed on information of any incidents to the community council.
Mr Angus said: “I just happen to be there every day, and so I know when anything has happened and advised the community council immediately.
“It goes in cycles. There hasn’t been much happening over the summer. It just seems to be during the holidays, with the nice weather.”
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
• More information in this week’s Shetland Times.
David Spence
In our politically correct society, we should take such individuals, if they are ever caught, give them a good talking too. Tell these poor vandals how good they are, how positive they are, and spend thousands of Tax Payers money on a politically correct rehabilitation scheme (with a high failure rate) and send them on holiday to see the error of their ways, whilst at the same time these poor vandals pretending they are rehabilitated but are just acting to please the system.
So, after thousand of pounds being spent on social work reports, court hearings, meetings of this and that, holidays etc etc……….and within a week, they do the exact same crime elsewhere.
The softly, softly approach really works, doesn’t it?