A statue of a much-loved St Andrews cat has been restored to its former glory after vandals covered it in paint.
The bronze figure of Hamish McHamish in Church Square was discovered dripping with magnolia paint on Monday.
Volunteers from St Andrews Environmental Network have already sprung into action to remove the emulsion.
Police Scotland said officers were investigating and urged anyone with information to come forward.
A police spokesperson said: “Officers in St Andrews received a report of vandalism in Church Square around 11.20am on Monday, October 26.
“Inquiries are ongoing.
“Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 0991 of October 26.”
Debbie MacCallum, trustee of The Hamish Foundation, said: “The clean and green team have kindly cleaned it up.
“They’re used to it. They seem to have to deal with quite a lot of paint vandalism in St Andrews. They used their magic and removed it relatively quickly.”
Unveiled in 2014 by Provost of Fife Jim Leishman, the statue pays tribute to the ginger cat which gained celebrity status in the town.
Hamish lived a nomadic life, turning up in shops and student flats despite having a loving home of his own to return to.
With his distinctive white bib, it was seen as a sign of good luck if Hamish crossed your path. He was treasured by local residents.
He died just a few months after he was immortalised in bronze.
“Hamish brought good luck to the town.” said Debbie.
“He was seen as a good luck charm and if he visited your business it meant your business would do well.
“Often he would disappear for six months at a time. If he went to a student house they would look after him and he would look after them.”
In addition to spreading some joy across the university town, Hamish left a legacy which has boosted local causes.
The Hamish Foundation set up in his honour raised funds for beach wheelchairs at the West Sands and last year supported St Andrews in Bloom with sensory planters in Church Square and the Gig 21 initiative supporting local mental health charities.
A series of children’s books about Hamish has also been launched, with proceeds supporting The Hamish Foundation.
St Andrews couple Jerry and Linda-anne Beaulier visited Florida-based Scottish author Robert Lewis Heron, who was inspired after hearing about the work of the foundation from his Fife friends. He used his time in lockdown to write stories about Hamish as he embarks on various adventures.
Available on Amazon, the books have proved a hit with young readers and gained five star reviews.
