Thieves urged to return stolen knitted pigeons to historic Musselburgh attraction
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‘Don’t be that person’: Appeal after 10 knitted pigeons stolen from Midlothian estate
Staff at a historic Midlothian estate have appealed for the return of a flock of knitted pigeons following a spate of thefts.
Ten of the handmade birds, which were donated by visitors, have been stolen from the doocot at Newhailes House & Gardens in Musselburgh.
Newhailes employees said the 10th pigeon, named Jupiter, was taken on Saturday after thieves bypassed efforts to secure the display.
Writing on social media, staff said they had already attempted to tie the pigeons down but that the ties had been removed before the most recent theft took place.
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Staff asked those who have taken one of the knitted pigeons to return them to the Musselburgh attraction—urging them “don’t be that person.”
The post read: “We are truly saddened today, people have taken some of our pigeons. Yesterday [Saturday], our 10th pigeon was stolen from the Doocot.
“We recently had to tie the pigeons down to try to prevent them from being taken. Sadly, this hasn’t deterred someone from removing the ties and even what they were attached to and taking Jupiter.
“These beautiful pigeons have been lovingly handmade and donated to us by our visitors. People have given their time, creativity and money to make these wonderful pieces for everyone to enjoy.
“It is incredibly disappointing that someone feels they can simply take them. Please don’t be that person. Please don’t take them. They are not yours.
“Let’s respect the time, generosity and kindness of the people who created and donated them, and allow everyone to enjoy them at the Doocot.
“If you have got one of our flock, we would very much like them returned.”
Newhailes House & Gardens is a 17th century villa set within an 86 acre estate in Musselburgh. The historic house and grounds also contains Weehailes playpark, woodland walks, ice cream and traditional sweet shop and new courtyard cafe.