News / Four reports of vandalism at historic sites in last couple of years
Three incidents took place at the Clickimin Broch
FOUR instances of vandalism have been recorded at historic sites in Shetland over the last couple of years.
A freedom of information request by Shetland News to Historic Environment Scotland (HES) shows that three of the four incidents took place at the Clickimin Broch.
The other was at Fort Charlotte in Lerwick.
HES oversees a number of historic sites in Shetland which also includes Ness of Burgi, Staneydale Temple, Jarlshof and Mousa Broch as well as the castles in Muness and Scalloway.
All four instances of vandalism at HES’ sites in Shetland over the last two years were reported to police.
In April 2023 large stones from the Clickimin Broch were used to break the bottom two steps of stairs.
In May that year more extensive damage was discovered.
On that occasion two bannisters, three spindles and three treads to the stairs were damaged, and stones from the broch had been pulled out.
Some of the stones were broken from being used to break wood.
Meanwhile in January 2025 damage was noted to one of the external walls at the broch, with stones removed and rubbish placed in a hole.
This prompted a public appeal for information from the police.
Also in January damage was discovered in an area of Fort Charlotte that was fenced off for public safety.
HES said wood was pulled apart and ripped up.
A spokesperson for HES previously said in relation to vandalism:
“Heritage crime is a serious matter which can cause irreparable damage to our monuments and cultural assets, and cause us to lose pieces of our past forever.
“It also diverts resources away from vital conservation work to our sites and monuments.
“We would urge any members of the public with any information regarding any incidents to get in touch with HES at hmenquiries@hes.scot; contact Police Scotland on 101; or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.”
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