The descendants of JM Barrie are “in discussion” over how best to restore the author’s grave.
The Kirriemuir community was shocked to learn of damage to the resting place of Peter Pan creator JM Barrie at the town cemetery.
Coping stones were removed from the graveside and thrown around.
Speculation has been rife about the best way to restore the grave site, and also how best to safeguard against more vandalism.
But on behalf of the family, direct descendant Tanya Vaughan said consideration must be taken of a number of other relatives buried there.
“We are saddened to hear of the damage to our family grave, which contains the remains not just of one famous ancestor, but very many members of our family, great grandfathers and grandmothers, aunts and uncles, and theirs before them.
“As direct descendants of them, it is our responsibility to look after the graves and we are in discussion as to how best to go about doing this in a sensitive way.”
The local authority has confirmed that coping stones have been removed for safety reasons.
Born in Kirriemuir in 1860, JM Barrie is most remembered for the creation of Peter Pan and the world of Never Land.
At his request, he was buried in the family plot in Kirriemuir Cemetery in 1937 and his name was simply added below the names of those who had gone before him.
The grave is a popular visiting place for tourists paying their respects.
Barrie remained a frequent visitor to Kirriemuir up to the time of his mother’s death, and much of his writing was based on the town, its inhabitants and its history.