VANDALS have targeted a cemetery in Callander, causing damage to gravestones and railings at the site.

Police are investigating the matter, said to have taken place at the Little Leny Chapel and Burial Ground between 6pm on Thursday and 10am on Sunday.

A spokesperson for the Callander Heritage Society said that attempts were made to topple a 200-year-old headstone, with its inscription defaced as a result.

A statement made on their Facebook page read: "We arrived...to carry out some weeding and found that the graveyard had been damaged over the last few days.

"Railings surrounding family graves have been broken and a large piece of masonry has been thrown at other graves causing damage to these ancient monuments.

"A report was made to the police who inspected the damage. We are appealing to the public for any information regarding the vandalism."

Officers are also asking for anyone with any details about the incident to come forward and help with their investigation.

Sgt David McNally said: "This is a burial ground of historic importance to the local community, where members of the Buchanan family are interred and this has been a reckless and unnecessary act of destruction.

"Members of the public are rightly disgusted with this incident and I would urge anyone who believes they can assist with our inquiries to contact police immediately.

"The railway track, which runs alongside the cemetery is now a cycle path, meaning there may be potential witnesses and I would urge anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious to get in touch."