PEOPLE using a metal detector at an historic castle have been warned by police they could face a large fine.

Police are investigating after a lock was cut off the gate at the entrance to the Goblin Ha’, the vaulted area of Yester Castle.

The incident, near Gifford, took place between Boxing Day last year and January 26.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland highlighted the potential offences being carried out and said: “It is an offence under the Ancient Monument and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 to cause damage to a scheduled monument.

“Yester Castle is currently closed to members of the public as areas of the castle are deemed to be unsafe.

“Enquiries have revealed members of the public have been using metal detectors within the area of the scheduled monument.

“It is of note that metal detecting without written consent on the scheduled monument is also an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

“The penalties for offences under this act are up to £50,000 fine or up to six months imprisonment.”

Officers are following “a positive line of enquiry” but are appealing for information regarding anyone seen in the area earlier this year with a metal detector.

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 and quote incident number 1342 of January 26.