A “literary detective” has joined the debate over the preservation of a renowned playwright’s memory after his grave was vandalised.
The Kirriemuir community was shocked to learn of damage to the resting place of Peter Pan creator J M Barrie at the town cemetery.
Stones were removed from the graveside and moved to another part of the cemetery and an American Barrie scholar has supported members of appreciation society Anon in asking to remodel the grave site.
The society’s former chairman, David S Skipper, has performed one-man show the Lost Boy as Barrie for the past 15 years, along with performances as Wonderful Wizard of Oz novelist L Frank Baum, and founder of a cartoon dynasty, Walt Disney.
He agreed with Anon member Ian Buik’s comments that the grave of the man behind A Window in Thrums should be as plain as possible.
“As former vice-president of Anon, I totally agree with Iain Buik’s appraisal of the JM Barrie gravesite controversy,” said Mr Skipper.
“Vandalism of gravesites is an abomination and I sincerely hope the police find the perpetrators and they are brought to swift account and justice.
“JM Barrie clearly stated in his will he wanted nothing more than his name on his gravestone.
“He has so many worthy tributes and statues in his honour, for example, the Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens, which he himself had magically erected overnight to surprise visitors.
“But the honouring of Barrie’s own instructions to be buried with no flourish or adornments has not been taken into account by those who have facilitated the construction of this beastly monstrosity.”
Direct descendant Tanya Vaughan previously said consideration must be taken of a number of other relatives buried there, adding: “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.”
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.
Mr Skipper added: “With so many unanswered questions, further investigation is warranted. I hope all parties come to reason and adhere to Barrie’s own philosophy, ‘always be a little kinder than necessary’ and honour a man’s simple wish.
“We can pay tribute to Barrie in so many other ways.”