A NORTH Queensferry teenager caused £5,000 of damage when he vandalised an ancient monument in Dalgety Bay.

The 16 year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, repeatedly spray painted walls at St Bridget's Kirk, parts of which date back to the 12th century.

He appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Wednesday after previously admitting that on March 24 last year, without reasonable excuse, he wilfully or recklessly destroyed or damaged property at the old church.

Depute Fiscal Dev Kapadia said the damage was estimated at around £5,000.

Sheriff Charles Macnair said the value of the damage was "particularly concerning."

He added: "The high cost is going to have to be borne by someone unfortunately."

Sentence was deferred for three months for the youth to be of good behaviour.