Published: Thursday, 4th December, 2008 16:00
Second outbreak of vandalism at Dunfermline Crematorium baby memorial
By Gary Fitzpatrick
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DISGUSTED parents have spoken out after a second outbreak of vandalism at the baby memorial at Dunfermline Crematorium.
The Press reported last week that the garden had been attacked by thugs and a £600 statue donated by the SANDS (Stillborn and Neonatal Deaths) charity was stolen.
There was a strong local reaction to the damage but by then another case had been discovered by crematorium staff with vases, ornaments and toys destroyed.
Among the parents left shocked and distraught over the incidents are Ian and Claire Stewart, of Rosyth, whose son, Benjamin, was stillborn in 2004.
Their second child, Duncan, is just 13 weeks old and his first visit to the baby garden was when his parents went there to tidy up after the vandalism.
“When you lose a child in these circumstances, you don’t have many memories or photos and so the baby memorial is a special place just to go and think of them,” said Mr Stewart, of Primrose Lane.
“It’s hard to think what kind of people would do this but I’d just like them to realise the upset they are causing.
“When a child dies it always seems like an injustice and these malicious actions are adding to that sense.
“It’s obvious to anyone that this is a special memorial for children, with teddy bears and toys placed there.
"Even if the items are not valuable, you can’t put a price on what they mean.
“We had put down a snow globe as a birthday present for Benjamin, which was there for six months and has now been smashed.
“There’s one name up there on the memorial, Barbara, who was born in 1978 and would have been the same age as me.
“I never knew Barbara or her family but I know of her because of the memorial and I know she was loved and was somebody’s child.
"That’s what the memorial means to the families.”
Mrs Stewart said, “I’m totally devastated by this.
"My son’s name is on the stone at the baby memorial and one of his ornaments was smashed.
“We went up the morning after to help with the clean-up and we were so upset that someone could be so disrespectful.
“I am also friends with the couple whose son’s birthday presents were stolen.
“This is a place for couples like us to remember our children, who were so desperately wanted but snatched from us too soon.
“For some of us it is the only memorial we have.”
One man contacted the Press to offer a donation towards a new statue.
Willie Greig, Fife Council bereavements officer, said, “The statue stolen was valued at £600.
"For the families, it’s not so much the financial cost of the items but the emotion involved.
“We’ve had assurances from the police that they will have increased patrols in the area.
"We’ve also asked if maybe a police officer could give talks in the local schools.”
A police spokesman said, “Investigations are continuing, special patrols are being made in the area and there have also been some door-to-door enquiries.
“We would again appeal to the public because somebody must be talking about this and telling others they’ve done it.”
Anyone who can give information to the police is asked to call 01592 251111.
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