Wreaths left to remember the nation's war dead have been burned at the Stone of Remembrance in Edinburgh.
A number of floral tributes, laid at the memorial at the City Chambers, were seen to be charred black in photographs and a video posted to social media on Monday morning.
Firefighters were called around 5.15am this morning to attend the blaze - but said the fire had been extinguished by the time they arrived.
One TikTok clip from an account called 'Auld Edinburgh' showed the burnt wreaths laid out at the memorial. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon led the 'poignant' Remembrance Sunday service in the capital yesterday.
It has not yet been confirmed if the wreaths were set on fire deliberately, but people have taken to social media to voice their fury and disgust.
One user said: "There was a time, and it wasn't that long ago, that war memorials were absolutely sacrosanct, but now, it's all so sad."
Another said: "Even in the 90s when I was growing up there were places that were just off limits and everyone respected that."
A third wrote: "Having been born and bred in Edinburgh, I am so ashamed of this. Clearly these people have never been taught any respect."
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: "We received a call at 5.14am, to attend a fire at the City Chambers in Edinburgh. We sent one appliance, but the fire had been extinguished on arrival."
She said there was no information relating to whether the incident was thought to have been an act of wilful fire-raising.
Hundreds of people gathered in the capital to honour those who lost their lives in war, including the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge and the Scottish Parliament's Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone.
Members of the three branches of the Armed Forces marched down the Royal Mile before a short service took place outside the city chambers, led by Rev Calum MacLeod. After the one o'clock gun was fired from Edinburgh Castle at 11am, a two-minute silence was observed.
Ahead of the event, the First Minister said it was important to remember those who made the "ultimate sacrifice" to secure freedom.
Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland said: “We are appalled by this absolutely senseless act of vandalism. These wreaths were laid in memory of the men and women who sacrificed their lives, and this destruction shows a complete lack of respect for everything they and the Stone of Remembrance stand for.
“This will be extremely upsetting for all the veterans, serving personnel and family members who paid their respects yesterday, especially those who have lost loved ones.
Chief Inspector Murray Tait, Local Area Commander said: “Our enquiries are ongoing after poppy wreaths were set on fire at the war memorial in High Street, Edinburgh around 5am on Monday, 14 November.
“Officers are carrying out enquiries and gathering CCTV footage to find out more information on whoever is responsible.
“I utterly condemn this appalling act of vandalism, especially at this time of year when remembrance services have just been held across the country.
“If anyone has any information that will assist our investigation, please contact officers through 101 with reference number 601 of 14 November.”
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