Drugs paraphernalia has been found littered across a historic churchyard in the heart of Aberdeen, prompting calls for action.
The ancient graves of the Kirk of St Nicholas on Union Street have long been a tourist attraction for visitors to the Granite City eager to learn more about the north-east’s rich heritage.
However, a number of the resting places are now littered with legal high wrappers, pipe packets and other signs of drug use.
And some plots around the A-listed church have been defaced with graffiti.
Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart has now asked the local authority and police to do all that it can to ensure the safety of visitors and to discourage the use of legal highs at the spot.
Mr Stewart said: “Drug use on our city streets and in public spaces is a disgrace.
“To see evidence of this behaviour in an ancient and sacred space like St Nicholas Kirk is worrying and upsetting.
“Psychoactive substance abuse is a serious concern of mine, and I do not believe we can condone the sale or use of these
substances which, like all drugs, have been responsibly for the deaths of young people in this country.
“I have written to Police Scotland to ensure they are fully aware of the situation, but it is imperative that the council immediately address security in our public spaces so folk can feel safe in our city.”
The earliest mention of a church at the site dates back to the 12th century, and many of its graves of prominent Aberdeen citizens are hundreds of years old.
But Aberdeen City Council’s communities, housing and infrastructure vice-convener, Gordon Graham, said he was not aware of any complaints about the graveyard.
“There has been no formal drug related complaints logged with the cleansing service this year for St Nicholas Kirkyard,” he said.
“The churchyard is one site in the city centre which is locked at night.”
A police spokeswoman added: “We will look into this and work with our partners in the city centre to ascertain what the problem is.”