'So far from the spirit of Christmas' - Edinburgh Grand's giant toy soldier smashed by heartless vandals

Families had been posing for pictures with guards before they were smashed by yobs

Heartless vandals have been blasted by an Edinbrugh city centre hotel after their much-loved Christmas decorations were damaged.

Staff at The Edinburgh Grand in St Andrew Square were 'saddened' to find that one of their two toy soldiers which stand at either side of the entrance had been vandalised in the early hours of this morning (Friday, November 22).

The statues, which stand roughly nine feet tall, have been popular with families and children wanting to have their pictures taken with the traditionally dressed guards, making the vandalism all the more unsavoury.

The damaged toy soldier.

It is understood that the mindless vandals tried to steal the guards at around 3am before realising they were bolted to the ground. They then decided to unleash their fury on one of the statues' legs.

A spokesperson for The Edinburgh Grand said: “Everyone at The Edinburgh Grand is saddened that our much admired Christmas toy soldiers were vandalised last night. During the short time since they were installed, we have seen so many families with young children enjoying taking photographs with them.

"The police have been informed and we would be grateful to hear from anyone who has any information about this senseless act of vandalism, which is so far from the spirit of Christmas.”

The Evening News understands that The Grand are planning on replacing the broken figure.

Police Scotland has also been contacted.