By Cara Sulieman
GRAVEROBBERS have struck at an historic Scots burial site digging up ancient bones and leaving remains scattered around.
But instead of murky criminals, it is foxes that have been blamed for the damage at a cemetery in Edinburgh.
Residents found the gruesome sight whilst walking through Rosebank Cemetery in Pilrig at the weekend.
But the City of Edinburgh Council has said that all they can do is “monitor the situation” as it is illegal to poison or snare foxes.
“Eerie”
One local resident, who did not want to be named, said he was shocked to find a pile of bones in the graveyard.
He said: “We found a massive pile of sand and earth, and there were a couple of vertebrae and other bones lying there.
“It wasn’t a nice sight to see. It looked quite eerie – it sent a shiver down my spine.
“It was one of the older graves from the 1860s that was affected.
“I think the council need to do something about it, although I know it can be difficult to keep foxes out.”
Council workmen in the cemetery said that the problem had been going on for a few weeks.
“Havoc”
And Harald Tobermann, a committee member of Pilrig Residents’ Association, said that locals had complained about foxes being in the streets and gardens.
He said: “There are a lot of foxes in the area, because of the general rubbish problem that exists.
“They sometimes cause havoc in gardens, but it’s a very different issue when it’s in a cemetery.
“It’s understandable that people are upset about it, as it is a very sensitive area.
“I understand that it’s difficult for the council to deal with them, but they shouldn’t just wash their hands of it.
“Urban foxes do need to be tackled – they’re basically vermin, like rats.”
A spokesman for the council said that they were aware of the situation.
He added: “There has been digging within the cemetery. However we are unaware of any intrusion into a grave space.
“The pest control team is monitoring the situation and will continue to do so. It is illegal to take severe action against a fox.”
