The former Marks & Spencer building in Aberdeen has been vandalised with white paint, prompting calls for action to be taken to find an occupier for the city centre property.
Police Scotland North East commented:
“At 0100 hours on 25 May 2026, the building previously occupied by Marks & Spencer, St Nicholas Street, Aberdeen was Vandalised using white paint.
Arrangements were put in place for the building to be cleaned.
A 38 year old male was quickly identified as being responsible and was subsequently traced and charged with the offence along with several other offences.
He was kept in Police custody to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday 1 June 2026 and is due to re-appear at Court on 17 June for sentencing.”
Scottish Conservative North East MSP Liam Kerr, who has campaigned to M&S to find an occupier for the building, said: “Vandalism like this is abhorrent and casts a dark shadow over our city centre.
“I commend the police for taking swift action following this latest incident.
“On a recent visit to the building, it is clear the site has become a hotspot for vandalism, anti-social behaviour, and street drinking.
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“It’s sad a once thriving department store that formed the heartbeat of our city centre has turned into such an eyesore.
“People have told me they are avoiding this part of town for fear of intimidation, which is impacting footfall for businesses on St Nicholas Street and the shopping centre.
“The demise of the former M&S building exposes the significant harm that high business rates, the council’s disastrous implementation of bus gates and LEZs, as well as the ongoing delays to the redevelopment of Union Street, are having on the area.”
