Medieval stone stolen from Borders abbey

A historical artefact dating back centuries has been stolen from a Borders abbey.
By Darin Hutson
Published 10th Jan 2020, 12:49 BST
Updated 10th Jan 2020, 12:53 BST
A stone stolen from Dryburgh Abbey.A stone stolen from Dryburgh Abbey.
A stone stolen from Dryburgh Abbey.

A decorative stone once part of a medieval arch has been taken from the cellars at Dryburgh Abbey, near St Boswells.

Its disappearance from the 12th century church, a category-A listed building, was discovered on Saturday, December 28, and an appeal has now been issued for information on its current whereabouts.

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The stone, marked DRY/v/14, measures 178mm by 457mm by 206mm.

Dryburgh Abbey, near St Boswells.Dryburgh Abbey, near St Boswells.
Dryburgh Abbey, near St Boswells.

A spokesperson for Historic Environment Scotland said: “Dryburgh Abbey is a site of historic distinction.

“The loss of such artefacts impacts on our understanding and appreciation of our history and it is important that the stone be returned to its rightful setting.”

Anyone with information on the theft of the stone is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1837 of January 9 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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The abbey, next to the River Tweed, was founded in 1150. It was burned by English invaders in 1322 but then restored, only to be torched again by King Richard II’s forces in 1385 then largely destroyed in 1544.