A MONUMENT to mark the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in the Borders has been ruined.

Police have launched a probe after the sundial in Earlston was damaged, just days before King Charles III’s coronation.

A spokesperson for the town’s community council said that “vandals” also urinated at the base of the sculpture during the shocking incident.

They added that it was “very disappointing” that the monument, unveiled in September by the Duke of Buccleuch at a special ceremony, had been targeted.

“The arrow head and tail have gone and the main shape is twisted,” said the spokesperson. “Vandals generously left their mark where they urinated on the base slabs.

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“The matter has been reported to police for insurance purposes but if anyone has information, CCTV or dash cam [footage] from driving past that would help, please contact Earlston Community Council.”

Police confirmed that an investigation had been launched into the incident, but said that enquiries were “at an early stage”.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We received a report of damage to a sundial on The Green, Earlston, around 6.10pm on Monday, May 1, 2023.

“Enquiries are at an early stage.”

The unveiling of the sundial had been scheduled to take place last summer but was delayed.

It was funded by a grant from Scottish Borders Council.