Linlithgow Palace Heritage Crime Appeal For Information

We are appealing to members of the public for information after a very serious incident of offensive graffiti damage took place at Linlithgow Palace on 20 April 2023. 

Various walls and flagstone floors within the Palace have been badly defaced using spray paint, and the Palace’s historic ornate fountain, which was built by James V in 1538, has also been spray-painted and physically damaged. 

HES conservation teams will now work to first assess the damage and nature of paint used, and then carry out treatment to attempt to remove the paint and limit the damage, ahead of the scheduled reopening of the site in May. HES is also working closely with Police Scotland, who are investigating the incident. 

Peter McGrath, Head of Physical Security at HES, said:

“Incidents of wanton damage to our precious heritage such as this are simply unacceptable.  

"Heritage crime can cause irreparable damage to historic sites, potentially robbing us of our history. These incidents also divert resources away from vital conservation work to our sites and monuments. Our teams are working hard to address this damage before the Palace reopens.   

“We would urge any members of the public with any information regarding this incident that could help investigations to get in touch with Police Scotland on 101; or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.” 

We're the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. We are at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future. Across Scotland, we investigate and record architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes and care for more than 300 properties of national importance. HES is also working with sector partners to deliver Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.

Historic Scotland, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Stòr are sub-brands of HES.

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