HE was one of the most gifted architects of the Victorian era, whose unconventional style attracted admirers worldwide.

Much of Alexander "Greek" Thomson's architectural legacy in his adopted city of Glasgow, however, has been neglected and left to decay.

The city planned to unveil a memorial to the architect in the Gorbals' Southern Necropolis next week but the black polished granite headstone has been vandalised.

Thomson's St Vincent Street and Caledonian Road churches in Glasgow, as well as the city's Egyptian Halls, are on the buildings at-risk register.

Fiona Sinclair, former president of the Glasgow Institute of Architects, said: "The monument was put up in September last year and the carving on it was just finished in March. Unfortunately, the stone has been vandalised. I am quite sure the paint used was waterbased and hopefully it won't cause permanent damage.

"It's possibly quite ironic that a memorial is put up to the man while his buildings fall into disrepair. There is often a problem of ownership with Thomson's buildings and getting private individuals to take responsibility."

Isobel Barratt, chairwoman of Gorbals Heritage and Environment Trust, said: "The memorial is about recognising the worth of the man."

Local architecture students Graeme Andrew and Edward Taylor designed the memorial.