War memorial torched less than 24 hours after Remembrance Day sparking fury
A war memorial in Edinburgh has been set alight just hours after the nation bowed its head for Remembrance Sunday.
Wreaths of poppies were burned outside Edinburgh’s City Chambers building, although the cause of the blaze is unknown.
Taking to TikTok, a user alleged: “Someone set fire to Edinburgh’s War Memorial.”
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The incident happened early in the morning, with emergency services called to the scene at City Chambers at 05:14am on Monday.
By the time they got there, the fire was already out., EdinburghLive reports.
Footage of the scene following the blaze has now emerged and shows a series of wreaths scorched and blackened, no more than ash.
Underneath, the city’s Stone of Remembrance appears to have suffered fire damage, with the stone blackened.
The wreaths were laid during Sunday’s (November 13) memorial services on the city’s Royal Mile.
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “Yesterday it was my honour to lay a wreath on behalf of the City of Edinburgh to remember those who served and sacrificed so much.
“The vandalism discovered this morning not only to the recently laid wreaths but also Edinburgh’s Stone of Remembrance is disgusting and disrespectful.
“We remain at a loss for the reasons someone could do something like this which has caused a lot of upset for everyone who respects the memories of all who serve their country.
“We have reported this to the police and would urge anyone who knows anything about what happened to contact them.”
One TikTok user said: “This is literally the lowest of the low to do this”.
Another added: “I have no words for this act of total disrespect”.
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The incident was reported to police.
Chief Inspector Murray Tait, Local Area Commander said: “Our enquiries are ongoing after poppy wreaths were set on fire at the war memorial in High Street, Edinburgh around 5am on Monday, 14 November.
“Officers are carrying out enquiries and gathering CCTV footage to find out more information on whoever is responsible. I utterly condemn this appalling act of vandalism, especially at this time of year when remembrance services have just been held across the country.
“If anyone has any information that will assist our investigation, please contact officers through 101 with reference number 601 of 14 November.”
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