A statue that was unveiled by the First Minister in September to mark the 50th anniversary of Scotland's worst ever mining disaster has been stolen.
There are fears that the six feet high bronze sculpture, which weighted half a ton and is valued at £35,000, may have been taken so that it can be melted down.
Forty seven died after becoming trapped underground by a fire on September 18, 1959, at Auchengeich Colliery in Moodiesburn in North Lanarkshire.
Click here for video interview with former miner Ian Lowe on the disaster and the theft >
The statue, which had been designed by sculptor John McKenna, was of a miner and was in a memorial garden at the Auchengeich Miners Welfare club dedicated to the men who died.
Click here for video report from September - events held to mark mining disaster >
Councillor William Hogg from North Lanarkshire Council said: "I am absolutely shocked and disgusted by this mindless crime. The whole community in Auchengeich has worked very hard to create a beautiful memorial to the miners who lost their lives in Scotland’s worst mining disaster, and everyone will be sickened by what has happened."
"I would like to assure everyone that the council will do everything possible to ensure that the statue will be replaced. I would appeal to anyone with any information about this theft to contact Strathclyde Police immediately."
A spokesperson for the club said that the statue was there at midnight on Wednesday, when the club closed, and it was noticed that it was gone at 7am on Thursday.
It is thought that the streetlights in the area had been vandalised so that the theft could take place in the dark. The sculpture had been held down by bolts and it would have taken a considerable amount of work to remove it.
Police are now investigating the theft and are speaking to those who were at the club on Wednesday night in case they saw anything that may help them with their investigation.
Superintendent Henry Campbell from Strathclyde Police said: "This crime has outraged the local community and we will do everything possible to trace those responsible and return the statue to its rightful place.
"I would also urge those responsible to think about what they have done and what impact this crime has had on the local community. Do the right thing and return it, or let someone know where it is."
Detectives believe a vehicle was used in the theft, and are are asking anyone who noticed any vehicles in the area in the early hours to contact them.
First Minister Alex Salmond said: "I am extremely saddened to hear this news. I was proud to unveil this magnificent bronze sculpture at a memorial service in September.
"The service was to mark 50 years since 47 brave men died at Auchengeich Colliery and the statue was a poignant and fitting tribute to their memory. My thoughts are with the families of the men who died that day.
"This disgraceful theft will only add to their heartache, and enrage the local community, who are so proud of their memorial."
