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'Heartbreak' as antique sundial stolen from country house

News imageJulie Riley A sandstone sundial in a large garden with a pathway and flowers all aroundJulie Riley
The sundial usually sits in the gardens of Paxton House

Police are investigating the theft of an antique sundial from the grounds of a country house in the Borders at the weekend.

The charitable trust which runs Paxton House close to the Scotland-England border said it believed the sandstone timepiece had been stolen some time over the weekend.

It appealed to the public to contact them directly and described the incident as "heartbreaking".

Police said the issue had been reported to them on Monday and inquiries were at an early stage.

News imageEirian Evans An 18th Century country house in sandstone with pillars at its main entrance around a circular courtyard with a round lawn and red gravel path around it.Eirian Evans
Paxton House - near the Scotland-England border - is run by a charitable trust

Paxton House is located near the village of the same name and is described as "one of Britain's finest Palladian houses".

Built for the Home family between 1758 and 1795, it involved some of the finest architects and craftsmen of the Georgian era.

In 1988, a charity was set up so that everyone could enjoy the "beauty and tranquillity of this remarkable house with its extensive grounds and gardens".

A post on the Paxton House Facebook page said they believed thieves had targeted the site.

News imagePaxton House A stone base and pole where once a sundial stood. There is a blue bench in the background.Paxton House
The sundial was removed some time over the weekend

"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," it said.

"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 confirmed they had been informed of the removal of the sundial on Monday and were investigating the incident.