KILWINNING’S historic Abbey ruins have been targeted by mindless vandals.

Last week a number of walls and the War Memorial within the ancient grounds were sprayed and chalked with graffiti.

Police have now launched an investigation to track down the culprits.

Kilwinning Heritage, who oversee the Abbey grounds, are currently in the midst of the busy summer season where tourists from across the world visit the Abbey Tower and heritage centre.

On their Facebook page last week, the group slammed the “nasty” and “widespread” outbreak of vandalism.

Speaking to the Times, Christine Watson, from Kilwinning Heritage, said: “The ruins are more than 500 years old and it’s a shame that people can’t respect them.

“What they’ve done is also desecration of a graveyard.

“Vandalism is always an ongoing problem particularly with young people climbing on the ruins.

“This was a deliberate act and it’s been quite upsetting for us and people in the town.”

Christine added: “We’re very happy with how swift the police and the council dealt with it.

“People who come through the grounds are always on the lookout for any signs of damage or things to bring to our attention.

Irvine Times:

“My message to the people who did this would be that the Abbey is part of Kilwinning’s history and should be respected."

North Ayrshire Council’s Streetscene team acted quickly to clean up the graffiti following complaints raised by Kilwinning Councillors Joe Cullinane and Donald Reid.

No arrests have been made in connection with the vandalism.

Inspector Jim McMillan from Kilwinning Locality Policing Team said: “I am extremely saddened by this act of vandalism to this building of historic significance, particularly now with the expected increased number of visitors from across the world.

“My officers will be carrying out investigations to identify those responsible and I would encourage anyone with information to assist our enquiry to contact us via 101.”