Wednesday May 13th 2026
The sundial after theft
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Staff at an 18th-century Palladian country home in Berwickshire have been left heartbroken after a sundial disappeared from its garden.
The sundial at Paxton House is believed to have been snatched over the weekend.
An appeal for information has been launched as it emerged that one visitor saw someone acting suspiciously.
A spokesperson for 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.”
Visitors have responded with anger and incredulity to the theft, one saying: “Why do people have do this? It must have been very heavy. Hope they are caught or made to feel guilty about taking it.”
Another suggested they may have been an eyewitness to the theft, explaining: “I spotted someone with an ornament in the back of their car and as I looked at him he got very nervous and tried to cover it up as he put something in the boot.
“It might not have been him but just makes sense how awkward he got when I looked.
“It looked like stone of some sort. I wanted to drive back round to him but thought I was just over-thinking it. Feels like too much of a coincidence for it not to be this person.”
If you have information contact Paxton House on 01289 385777.
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