CAVES which once sheltered Robert the Bruce before the Battle of Bannockburn have been vandalised as police launch an investigation into the incident.
The King’s Cave at Blackwaterfoot on the Isle of Arran is considered of national importance. They were formed around 10,000 years ago during the Ice Age.
The caves are believed to have offered shelter to people spanning possibly as far back as the Bronze Age and contain Ogham inscriptions, a medieval style of alphabet which is sometimes referred to as the Gaelic Tree Alphabet, along with numerous carvings of serpents, deer, horses, and crosses.
The King’s Cave contains extensive Early Christian and medieval carvings and is likely to have once been an anchorite’s cell, according to Historic Environment Scotland.
Texts from the famous writer Walter Scott also suggested that the cave was once a refuge for Robert the Bruce, who went into hiding following his defeat in 1306 at the Battle of Methven.
Police said on Wednesday that the caves have been vandalised with a name scratched into the walls.
The force added that it is a criminal offence to cause damage to legally protected monuments and that investigation into the incident has been launched.
A police statement said: “The Kings Cave at Blackwaterfoot on the Isle of Arran has been damaged through graffiti being carved into the wall.
“Monuments are legally protected due to their historic importance – making it a criminal offence to cause damage.
“Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident number 0111 of 19th August 2025.”
