Andy Allen, the Ulster Unionist Party's North Belfast Spokesperson, has described the latest attack on the memorial to three murdered Scottish soldiers, located at Ligoniel on the outskirts of north Belfast, as ‘absolutely disgusting’.
The memorial was erected in 2009 to remember teenage brothers John and Joseph McCaig, and their 23-year-old colleague Dougald McCaughey. The three young soldiers were all off-duty when they were murdered by the IRA on 10 March 1971 after being lured to the area.
Mr Allen said:
“I am absolutely disgusted to learn of yet another attack on the memorial stone to the three Scottish soldiers at White Brae on the Ligoniel Road in north Belfast.
"The memorial has now been attacked twenty three times. The latest attack has taken place less than three weeks after the previous one, and has seen the letters IRA sprayed on the stone in green fluorescent paint.
“Quite clearly there are those out there who have no respect or decency. Three young Scottish soldiers were murdered and some seem intent on inflicting more pain on their families whilst at the same time seeking to heighten tensions within the community and provoke a reaction.
“More needs to be done to protect the memorial and bring those who attack it to justice. I would urge anyone with any information that might help the police apprehend those responsible to contact them on 101 or anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, In order to help put a stop to these despicable attacks.”