Tain gravestones fixed by kind-hearted local business following ‘disgusting’ vandalism attack
An act of kindness from a local business has seen two centuries-old gravestones repaired, following a “disgusting” vandalism attack.
In June, three fallen gravestones were discovered in the grounds of the medieval church of St Duthac, where the Tain and District Museum is also located.
The toppled granite crosses, which date as far back as the 1880s, were fixed free of charge by local masonry contractors, J. Widdows Stonemasons.
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John Widdows, director of Ross-shire-based J. Widdows Stonemasons, previously said: “I saw the post on social media about the vandalism to several gravestones at Tain museum, and I was disgusted by this.
“I immediately offered to help restore them at no charge. Tain is close to home for me and I am all for local businesses and giving back to the community. I specialise in restoration and conservation so I thought I’d offer to help correct this wrongdoing.”
Tain and District Museum and Clan Ross Centre said: “The gravestones being pushed over in Tain is very unusual.
“Over the last few years, a small group of volunteers has been working hard to maintain the gravestones; this work was all done voluntarily. John Widdows kindly re-erecting the graves at no cost is amazing and heartening after such sickening vandalism at our site.
“I can't thank them enough for this, but I must not forget to thank the newly opened Adventure Cafe in Tain who kindly supplied the team from J. J. Widows with lunch.”
Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty, Joanie Whiteford, added: “Thank you everyone! I can not begin to think why anyone would be so disrespectful of those from our community who have died to cause this damage in the first place.”
