Damage was caused to the statue of Little Jock from the Coulter’s Candy feature in Market Square, Galashiels earlier today.

In September 2019 a statue dedicated to Robert Coltart was unveiled by folk singer Jimmy Macgregor, who regularly recorded and performed Coulter’s Candy on national television.

 Three months later, statues of a boy and girl, named Little Jock and Wee Jeannie were added to the feature.

The sculptures are all the work of Innerleithen-based artist Angela Hunter, who was commissioned after the Coltart story was championed by local historians Graeme McIver and Mary Craig, local Councillor Sandy Aitchison and Helen Calder of the Energise Galashiels Trust, leading to the idea of a permanent tribute.

Mr McIver who took possession of the damaged statue told us: “It defies belief that someone would deliberately set out to damage a much-loved statue in the town. Lots of hard work and effort went into getting those artworks installed and its heart-breaking to see the statue lying on its side on the plinth.”

Borders councillor Euan Jardine tweeted: “I have just been sent this photo of the young child statue which is part of the Coulter Candy statue collection.  I have raised this act of mindless vandalism with @scotborders and the police.

“If you have any information on this incident please get in touch.”

Other local residents and business owners have taken to social media to express their anger at the damage.

The full extent and cause of the damage and the cost of any repairs has not been established at this time.

Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.