Tweed-Banksy: British Transport Police issue appeal after ScotRail train targeted in graffiti attack
Last updated 27th Jun 2023
British Transport Police are appealing for information after a train at Tweedbank Station was targeted in a graffiti attack.
Almost the full front carriage of the traditionally blue-liveried ScotRail service was spray-painted mostly silver - including many of its windows.
The vandal - nicknamed Tweed-Banksy, after the English street artist - is believed to have struck in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: "We are aware of an incident of criminal damage to a train at Tweedbank railway station and enquiries are ongoing.
"It is believed the damage took place sometime before 10am on Sunday (June 25th), when the front carriage of the train was vandalised with graffiti.
"Anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area should call 0800 405040 quoting reference 2300073125 of 25/06/23 or text us on 61016."
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The graffiti has received a mixed response on social media. Commenting on our original story, Rachel Gray said: "I love this. Well done to whoever made the train look cool and modern. Although next time, a bit of creativity around the windows would be better than covering them. I notice they haven't covered the front window, so the train is still usable."
Julie Sorrie added: "Never seen who done it but did see the train go through Gala, thought it looked alright."
Charlene McNair nicknamed the culprit "Tweed-Banksy". But Les Waddell replied: "Nobody would complain if it was a Banksy."
Another poster disagreed. "Bloody ridiculous," they said. "Why do the windows? Certainly not art."
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The Borders Railway - which runs between Edinburgh and Tweedbank - has been a huge hit since it was officially opened by The Queen almost eight years ago.
A special livery celebrating the region was designed for one of the trains to mark the occasion. But not like this.
It's not the first time vandals have spray-painted the route, but it's believed to be the first time a train on the line has been targeted in this way.
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