The heartbroken minister of a Perthshire church trashed by vandals said the building will be closed indefinitely.
Police are hunting yobs who forced their way into Blackford Parish Church at the weekend and went on a wrecking spree, causing widespread destruction thought to cost tens of thousands of pounds.
They pushed over a pulpit, damaged a christening font and ripped up carpets during the attack. Bibles were also found strewn around the kirk and communion glasses were smashed.
Worshippers were turned away when they arrived for Sunday morning service and found a police investigation well under way.
It is not known when the church will be able to re-open, with some congregation members suggesting it could be closed for several months.
A sign sealing the main door shut reads: “Do not enter. Building temporarily out of use.”
The vandalism has stunned church-goers across Scotland.
Reverend Mairi Perkins, who was left in tears when by the devastation, said: “We are saddened and distressed by the events over the weekend.
“It came as a real shock to us all.”
She said: “We are helping the police with their enquiries and I am absolutely at a loss to explain why someone could do such a thing.
“It is not yet clear when the building will re-open for use.
“But the church is wherever God’s people are and this coming Sunday we will be holding our service at Ardoch Parish Church in Braco.”
Moderator of the Presbytery of Perth, Rev Scott Burton added: “The presbytery is deeply upset at the traumatic situation our friends and colleagues at Blackford Parish Church are in, with this dreadful vandalism having taken place.
“We are offering as much prayerful and practical support to those affected as we can, believing, as always, that light can come out of darkness and hope out of despair.”
Police forensic officers spent most of Sunday searching the building for evidence.
It isn’t clear how the vandals got inside, but neighbours reported seeing lights on in the early hours of Sunday morning.
MSP Roseanna Cunningham said: “This sort of wanton vandalism is utterly despicable, particularly when it affects a place of worship.
“I want the minister and her parishioners to know that I am thinking of them at this time and I hope that the police can track down and apprehend those responsible.”
A force spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland is continuing with enquiries after a vandalism to Blackford Parish Church, Blackford sometime between 1pm on Saturday, February 4 and 10.30am the next day.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference CR/3198/17.
