A councillor is backing plans to make desecrating war memorials a specific offence in a bid to protect the monuments.

Conservative councillor Todd Ferguson is asking local communities to have their say on proposals that have been put forward by his party’s depute leader Meghan Gallacher MSP, which are seeking to prevent attacks on memorials by amending vandalism law.

The proposed changes would recognise that desecrating such monuments is a specific offence, which would bring Scotland into line with England and Wales.

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Furthermore, it would provide the justice system with the power to enforce stricter sentencing where crimes have been committed.

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Councillor Todd Ferguson said: “North Ayrshire’s war memorials are emotive focal points at the very heart of communities. They are a vitally important, treasured part of our heritage and they should be protected better.

“Current vandalism laws do not go far enough. Currently they do not provide a sufficient deterrent to those who carry out attacks on war memorials.

Largs and Millport Weekly News: Fairlie Fairlie (Image: Fairlie Parish Church)

"Whenever attacks occur it causes outrage. Many of the names that are etched upon our memorials represent families who still live locally.

“War memorials are a source of immense pride to our veteran communities, and we need to ensure that they are better protected for generations to come.

“It is important that we commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that our freedoms were protected.

“Sadly, there have been numerous occasions where vandals have struck at war memorials in North Ayrshire, and we need to do all that we can to eradicate that behaviour.

“As we approach Remembrance Day, I would encourage everyone to have their say, by completing the ten questions on the recently published consultation.”

The consultation runs until December 19 and can be accessed via: https://tinyurl.com/2b5d9hww.