They’ve become a symbol of hope and love across the country, stones painted with simple messages and left for others to enjoy.
The harbour walls at Donaghadee, Co Down, were literally lined with them and they became an attraction for locals on their daily exercise routine during the Covid-19 crisis.
But now the unthinkable has happened.
A number of prominent painted stones have vanished leaving many, including children, frustrated and upset.
Families and friends started the artwork in the seaside town after lockdown, and before the collection really started to build, she left out on large stone asking visitors to enjoy them and leave them in place.
One said: “After less than a month the stones started disappearing and it was devastating for kids who came down to the harbour to see them all when they realised their little piece of art has vanished.
“I know how they feel. The two big lighthouse ones that I painted disappeared along with a load of others.
“We suspect they were thrown into the harbour so no one could enjoy them. The love and effort that went into each of those hundreds of painted stones were special to someone.
“They are a testimony to the town, the people who stuck together through these bad times, a big thank you to all the key workers and a message of love and friendship amongst friends and strangers.
“Then someone comes along and takes away that pleasure.”
