Two climate activists are to face trial, accused of the reckless or wilful destruction of a glass display case containing the sword of William Wallace.
The historical broadsword is held at the National Wallace Monument at Stirling, and is said to have been used by the Scots hero at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.
On Thursday the case was targeted by people with hammers who sprayed “This Is Rigged” on the broken glass.
At Stirling Sheriff Court on Friday afternoon, Alexander Cloudley, 29, a foodbank coordinator, and Katrielle Chan, 21, a student at the University of Strathclyde, both from Glasgow, pleaded not guilty to vandalism.
They face a single charge alleging that on March 2 at the National Wallace Monument they “wilfully or recklessly destroyed or damaged property belonging to another” by “repeatedly striking a glass display cabinet with mallets and chisels”.
It is alleged they then sprayed paint on the cabinet, causing further damage.
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The Crown did not oppose bail, but sought a condition banning the pair from entering Stirling, except to attend court dates.
Depute fiscal Eilidh Smith said police were called to the Monument around noon on Thursday, after a member of the public informed the venue’s duty manager that there had been damage in the Wallace Sword Room.
Solicitor Claire Ryan, defending, said neither accused had previous convictions.
Sheriff Derek Hamilton released the pair on bail, with the special condition banning them from Stirling as sought by the Crown, and set trial for May 29.
He also ordered them to attend court for a pre-trial hearing on May 16.
After the incident, Stirling Council, which runs the Monument, issued a statement.
A council spokesman said: “Staff responded in line with security protocols and police were called to deal with the incident.
“The monument was closed for a short period of time to make the area safe.
“We are currently assessing whether there is any damage to the historic Wallace Sword and the cost of repairs.”
They added that visitors will be unable to see “this Scottish cultural icon for a number of weeks”.
