POLICE have launched an investigation after the burial site of Scotland's national bard was damaged.
Robert Burns is buried in a mausoleum in the grounds of St Michael's Church in Dumfries.
The incident happened between about 4pm and 6pm on Tuesday and left a glass panel on the building's entrance smashed.
Burns was originally buried in a more simple grave in the churchyard in 1796 but he was reburied in the mausoleum in 1815 after visitors found it difficult to find.
The grave is enclosed by metal and glass panels – one of which has been damaged in the incident.
Derek Love, who lives nearby and walks his dog through the churchyard every day, said he had spotted the damage straight away.
"This really caught my eye first thing this morning," he told the BBC.
"It looks like an obvious target but then again you think there is a little respect going on here and this is never going to happen."
He said it was the first time he had seen any damage and described it as "appalling".
Dumfries and Galloway Council said it was aware of the damage which had been caused to the mausoleum and confirmed police were investigating the incident.
A spokesperson added: "We have arranged for a clerk of works to assess the damage with a view to making appropriate repairs."
Police Scotland has been contacted for comment.
