A north-east cemetery is being wrecked by local deer wandering through the open gates and eating floral tributes.
Myrus Cemetery, in Macduff, has been closed to vehicles this week after a van – believed to be transporting goods to the nearby community centre being built – damaged its front gates.
The huge gates have been locked until repairs can be carried out, but their closure has highlighted the ongoing problem of wild animals wandering in and destroying memorials.
Deer prey upon the grounds at night for easy pickings, raiding the flowers left on gravesides.
Local councillor Hamish Partridge last night said although the gates being closed was not “ideal”, it would mean people could be spared finding grave sites wrecked by animals.
He said: “I don’t necessarily agree with them being locked, but if they were closed in a way that people could still get access that would be better – and I will ask if there is a way around that.
“But clearly, if there is damage happening we have to take steps in reducing that. Any damage in a cemetery can be stressful for families – they don’t want to be coming up and finding that has happened.”
Philip McKay, the council’s head of landscape services, added that the gates had been locked due to “safety concerns”.
“The gate and pillar have been left unstable,” he said.
“We have taken swift action and expect to have a contractor on site today to carry out repairs.”
A spokeswoman for the local authority suggested families of those buried at the site take their own precautions in dealing with the wildlife.
She said: “Visitors to rural cemeteries, such as the Myrus Cemetery at Macduff, should be aware when leaving floral tributes that they can be attractive to local wildlife, mainly rabbits. The council do take measures to keep the premises secure from wildlife damage and ensure that pest controllers make regular visits to cemeteries where this is an issue within Aberdeenshire, however there is a limited amount that we can do to stop this.
“Those wishing to leave flowers may wish to seek the advice of a florist, or consider some form of artificial arrangement.”