TWO activists from the group This Is Rigged have vandalised the display case containing the sword of William Wallace.
The historical item is held at the National Wallace Monument in Stirling, and is said to have been used by Wallace at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.
On Thursday afternoon, two activists targeted the case with hammers, spraying "This Is Rigged" on the broken glass.
The group opposes investment in new fossil fuels, particularly North Sea oil, and have pledged to continue civil resistance until their demands are met.
The female activist in the video says: "111 years ago, Suffragettes stood in this very spot to stand up for their rights and freedom, 600 years before William Wallace defended our freedom with this very sword. Now it is time for us to stand up for our rights too.”
Her male counterpart said: "We demand the Scottish Government formally oppose all new oil and gas licenses, and support a just, greener economy.
"This is rigged, but it doesn't have to be."
The pair were arrested after the act of vandalism.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We received a report of damage to a glass case at the Wallace Monument, Hillfoots Road, Stirling, around noon on Thursday, 2 March, 2023.
"Officers attended and a man and a woman have been arrested in connection and enquiries are ongoing.”
A Stirling Council spokesperson said: “Stirling Council condemns the deplorable act of vandalism on one of Scotland’s greatest treasures that took place at the National Wallace Monument today.
“Staff responded in line with security protocols and police were called to deal with the shameful incident. The monument was closed for a short period of time to make the area safe and has now reopened.
“We are currently assessing whether there is any damage to the historic Wallace Sword and the cost of repairs. Sadly, as a result of this outrageous defacement, visitors will be denied the opportunity to see this Scottish cultural icon for a number of weeks.”
This Is Rigged and Just Stop Oil had previously disrupted a meeting of the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday.
The organisation said: "We call out to anyone living in Scotland to join the campaign, to help create a fair and just Scotland. A Scotland where people’s lives are valued over corporate profits and no Scot is left behind."
