FAMILIES have been left shocked and upset after discovering one of the colourful "coos" at Dunfermline Public Park had been vandalised beyond repair.

The Heard of the Hill project brought back the art pieces to their historic grazing place in July but, within a matter of days, they were targeted by vandals.

It was quickly decided to move them to a different home at the Fire Station Creative and although one had made its way to the Fire Station Creative, one was still waiting for transport.

It was discovered on Friday night that Krasanova cow had been uprooted, split in half and its head removed.

Councillor Garry Haldane said: "It is so disappointing that these sculptures have been needlessly vandalised.

"Some of the youths of today show no respect for other people's property and public property.

"How would they react if this was their property and someone came along and damaged it?

"I find it disheartening as we have plenty of respectful, well-behaved, thoughtful and helpful young adults/children that these idiots spoil things for so many people.

"The few damaging the respect of many."

The colourful 'coos' were brought to the park by Central Dunfermline Community Council and decorated by local artists Vanessa Gibson and Olga Krasanova – along with school pupils – before being sprayed with anti-graffiti lacquer by John McIntosh, of Brae Coachworks in Dunfermline.

The money for the project to have the cows grazing in the park was donated by Tesco's Bags of Help scheme and Fife Council's Common Good Fund.

Traditionally, cows used to graze in Public Park and before the modern herd moved back, they were guests at Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries.

They were such a popular feature at the library that more will be created especially for the garden there.

Jim Stewart, chair of the community council, said: "We were sad to find that on Friday night, Krasanova cow in the Public Park had been destroyed beyond repair.

"The ears were broken off the very first day the cows were installed and we planned to have her repaired and relocated.

"The park cows were much loved by families and children visiting the new playpark – and now they are gone.

"It's difficult to imagine what drives teenagers to vandalism. Maybe Dunfermline just isn’t allowed to have nice new things.

"We had already removed the Melody Cow, who will join the calf safe within the patio area of Fire Station Creative.

"Additional cows have been ordered and they will take up residency in the Carnegie Library and Galleries garden.

"Next year, we hope to replace the cows in the Public Park with another project that will have as much appeal, and we already have a few ideas in mind."