THE display case containing the sword of William Wallace has been vandalised by two activists today.

The activists from the group This Is Rigged shattered the glass on the display at the National Wallace Monument before spray painting it on Thursday, March 2.

The group opposes investment in new fossil fuels, particularly North Sea oil, and have pledged to continue civil resistance until their demands are met.

Stirling Council has since condemned “the deplorable act” while one of the activists told The Herald they sought to send a”clear message” to government.

Kat Chan, 21, said: “I'm doing this because we need to be brave to change the corrupt system threatening our lives and driving Scots into poverty.

“I'm not willing to watch things get worse every year of my life with climate breakdown, I'm sending a clear message to our Government that we won't wait patiently anymore, enough is enough.

"111 years ago the suffragettes stood in this very spot to stand up for their rights and freedom, 600 years before that William Wallace defended our freedom with this very sword.

“Now it is time for us to stand up for our rights too."

​​​​​​​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, March 2, 2023.

"Officers attended and a man and a woman have been arrested in connection and enquiries are ongoing.”

Xander Cloudsley, 29, is understood to have been the male behind the act.

He said: “I have no interest in destroying anything, but if our government won't listen we need to make them listen.

“Holyrood continues to line their pockets with gold by not condemning the funding and licensi​​​​​​​ng of new oil and gas projects.

"This is Rigged but it doesn't have to be."

The pair were arrested after the act of vandalism, which saw them use two rocks as part of their action.

According to The Herald, Mr Cloudsley smashed the glass with a rock which said “Whit's fur ye will not go by ye” and Ms Chan used one saying “Your liberties were won by the sword, your rights were won by the suffragettes, we must once again fight for what is right, no new fossil fuels and a fair transition now”.

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser:

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.”