Painting worth £10,000 stolen from East Lothian house

A painting worth £10,000 has been stolen from a house in East Lothian.

It happenedat an address near Kippielaw Farm off Braeheads Loan, near East Linton. Police Scotland believes it took place between 5pm on Saturday 15th April and 3:45pm on Monday 24th April.

Entry was forced to the property and several paintings, including a high-value oil painting, were taken.

The work entitled "The Piper to the 2nd Marquess of Breadalbane" by J M BARCLAY dates from 1842 and is valued in the region of £10,000.

Four of the other paintings taken were a black and gold Asian style design.

Local police are continuing with their enquiries and are asking anyone with information that may assist to come forward.

Community Inspector Andrew Hill from Haddington Police Station said:"Based upon the specific nature of the property taken it is likely that this is a targeted theft. A vehicle would have been involved.

"The paintings stolen are all originals and very distinctive.

"Crimes such as this are fortunately rare, however, apart from the financial loss to the owner they also involve a loss of history and heritage.

"If anyone has information about suspicious activity in this area, or knowledge of where these works of art are now located, please get in touch."