A replica of an historic birlinn, recently installed outside Kildonan Museum, has been vandalised.

Part of the vessel’s bow was prised off and removed during the night on Monday 18th May 2015.

A note, written in Gàidhlig and left close by the galley, suggested it should be returned to sea rather than remain installed on land at the museum.

Ronnie MacKinnon, chair of Comunn Eachdraidh Uibhist a Deas, said the police had been informed and were looking into the matter.

He added: “This vessel is almost 25 years old. Nothing has ever happened to it until arrived in South Uist, which is a great shame.”

Mr MacKinnon appealed for the individual who removed part of the galley’s bow to return it as soon as possible.

A true-to-form recreation of a Celtic galley, ‘Aileach‘ was built by the Lord of the Isles Galley Trust in 1991.

Lat month, the trust placed the ship outside Kildonan Museum, where it was hoped it would attract visitors and further knowledge of the historic vessels that played a key role in the history of the west coast of Scotland.

‘Aileach‘ remains the property of the Lord of the Isles Galley Trust.

Anybody with any information about the vandalism is encouraged to contact the local police.