Giant Gem Stone struck by vandals

The Gem Stone is one of a series of seven sculptures along the route

A landmark sculpture at a walking and cycling attraction in southern Scotland has been attacked by vandals.

The 1.75 tonne pink quartz Gem Stone is part of a series of works commissioned for the 7stanes route.

The large artwork was found by a walker on Monday after being pushed off its base on the banks of Bruntis Loch in Kirroughtree Forest.

A Forestry Commission spokesperson said they would now be looking at whether or not the stone could be replaced.

The series of seven sculptures was unveiled across Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders last year.

The Gem Stone was named after Kirroughtree's trails - the 7stanes' hidden gem - and its close proximity to the Creetown Gem Rock Museum.

Michael Brown of Cree Valley Community Council said the incident was very disappointing.

He said: "It really is a very sad reflection on the community that there are people who would deliberately go out of their way to make such an effort to damage something like this."

Police have appealed for any witnesses to the incident to contact them.