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Historic church windows smashed Historic church windows smashed
(about 2 hours later)
Two historic stained glass windows worth thousands of pounds have been smashed by vandals at a church in West Lothian.Two historic stained glass windows worth thousands of pounds have been smashed by vandals at a church in West Lothian.
More than 80 panes of glass at St Michael's Parish Church were smashed in two attacks by youths with rocks.More than 80 panes of glass at St Michael's Parish Church were smashed in two attacks by youths with rocks.
The incidents happened between 1700 BST on Wednesday and 1245 BST on Thursday.The incidents happened between 1700 BST on Wednesday and 1245 BST on Thursday.
The church's minister, Dr Stewart Gillan, told BBC Scotland he was "angry and distraught" by the damage to the windows.The church's minister, Dr Stewart Gillan, told BBC Scotland he was "angry and distraught" by the damage to the windows.
One damaged window depicts a scene dedicated to Scottish oceanographer Sir Charles Wyville Thomson, who was born in West Lothian in 1830.One damaged window depicts a scene dedicated to Scottish oceanographer Sir Charles Wyville Thomson, who was born in West Lothian in 1830.
A window at the Queen's aisle of the church depicting St Bridget, the Celtic saint, was also targeted. A window at the Queen's aisle of the church depicting St Bridget, the Celtic saint, was also targeted as parts of King David I and James IV were broken.
It's not just about religion, it's about symbols of Scotland's culture Dr Stewart GillanSt Michael's Parish ChurchIt's not just about religion, it's about symbols of Scotland's culture Dr Stewart GillanSt Michael's Parish Church
A group of flower arrangers in the church saw and chased some youths during the second attack, but failed to catch them.A group of flower arrangers in the church saw and chased some youths during the second attack, but failed to catch them.
Dr Gillan said: "I am very angry and I felt violated when I saw the damage.Dr Gillan said: "I am very angry and I felt violated when I saw the damage.
"It vexes me because these teenagers are destroying our own heritage. It's not just about religion, it's about symbols of Scotland's culture."It vexes me because these teenagers are destroying our own heritage. It's not just about religion, it's about symbols of Scotland's culture.
"These kids need instruction about what to value, they are hitting at themselves.""These kids need instruction about what to value, they are hitting at themselves."
Insp Hugh Murphy, of Lothian and Borders Police, urged witnesses to come forward.Insp Hugh Murphy, of Lothian and Borders Police, urged witnesses to come forward.
He said: "This is mindless vandalism not only to a place of worship but to an historic tourist site.He said: "This is mindless vandalism not only to a place of worship but to an historic tourist site.
"It is a local haunt in the lighter nights so it probably is local teenagers who have caused this damage.""It is a local haunt in the lighter nights so it probably is local teenagers who have caused this damage."