A probe has been launched an a Scots castle closed to the public after a massive historic stone was nicked.
The bizarre theft saw huge amount of damage caused after the building block, dating back hundreds of years, was stolen from a wall at Yester Castle near Gifford in East Lothian.
Bosses have decided to close the castle off to the public due to safety concerns over the stone being removed from the wall which supports the underground vault - known as Goblin Ha'.
Cops have launched a hunt for the thieves who attacked the protected structure and have warned they face a fine of up to £50,000 or six months behind bars.
Shocking pictures show the missing masonry on the wall, which was abandoned as a place to live after the reformation in the 1500s.
A statement from East Lothian Police reads: "A report has been received regarding a substantial theft of stone from Yester Castle, Yester Estate, Gifford.
"Yester Castle is legally protected as a nationally important monument under the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.
"The theft of the stone has created a large area of damage in the wall that supports the vault of the underground room which has caused concerns around safety, causing the castle to be closed to the public for the foreseeable future.
"Offences under the Act include works without consent and damage, including adding to or removing from the monument. Breaches of the Act can carry penalties of up to six months imprisonment or fines of up to £50,000.
"Police Scotland are appealing to members of the public to come forward with any information regarding the theft and suspicious vehicles that may have been near the Castle and surrounding area since the end of the July 2021. If you have any information regarding this please call 101 quoting incident number 1181 of 12/10/2021."
Yester Castle and the subterranean lower hall (known as Goblin Ha’) belonged to the family of Gifford in the 12th – 14th centuries. The site featured as a fort during Haddington’s occupation in the 16th century before being abandoned as a residence after the Reformation.
