Musselburgh's historic Mercat Cross was daubed with graffiti at the weekend.

The vandalism, thought to have happened on Saturday night, was condemned by Councillor Stuart Currie who received messages from constituents about the incident the following day.

He said: "This act of vandalism is an utter disgrace. There are so many people working hard to make our town better and then idiots come along looking for any excuse to try and damage a local landmark.

"I was contacted on Sunday and got in touch with council officers who are taking action to remove the graffiti whilst ensuring the stone is not damaged. I very much hope that the CCTV has captured those responsible and they are punished accordingly."

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council said: “Unfortunately there was some graffiti on the Mercat Cross in Musselburgh which has now been cleaned off by the council. This is a criminal offence and we work with police and partner agencies to trace and prosecute anyone responsible for this type of crime where possible.”

The 18th century Mercat Cross, where markets were traditionally held and proclamations made, is situated near the Old Town Hall in the High Street.

It stands on the site of the original medieval cross and, from a square pedestal, three steps rise to a Tuscan shaft of the late 18th century, supporting a lion and the burgh arms.

The monument was focal point for proclamations as part of the turf cutting ceremony during the 2016 Riding of the Marches which takes place in Musselburgh every 21 years.

Police Scotland said it had no reports of the vandalism, which is not thought to have any links to any national cause or campaign such as Black Lives Matter.