Country house staff heartbroken over theft of antique sundial

Staff at a country house have been left heartbroken over the disappearance of a historic sundial believed to have been stolen over the weekend.

Police are investigating following a report that the sundial had been removed from Paxton House in the Scottish Borders.

Paxton House staff said the incident is “incredibly heartbreaking” and urged anyone with information about the whereabouts of the sundial to contact them.

The Palladian 18th century house was designed by the renowned architects James and John Adam and was built in 1758 for Patrick Home of Billie.

In a post on social media, Paxton House said: “We are shocked to report that our lovely sandstone sundial next to the apple yard by our Edinburgh window has been stolen over the weekend.

“As a charitable trust, we work extremely hard to look after our estate for visitors to enjoy and actions like this are incredibly heartbreaking.

“If you have any information about its whereabouts, please contact us directly.”

Police said they are aware of the incident.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Monday May 11, We received a report of an antique sundial having been removed from Paxton House in the Scottish Borders.

“Inquiries are at an early stage.”