RESTORATION work on a monument to a First World War hero has been put in jeopardy by the theft of digging equipment.
Volunteers have had to step in in a bid to complete work on the Lauder Monument in Argyll in time to mark the 102nd anniversary of Captain John Lauder’s death in France on December 28.
The monument was built in 1921 by his grieving father, the famous entertainer Sir Harry Lauder.
The £25,000 restoration is nearing completion after a three-year fundraising campaign and more than 1000 hours of work by Friends of Loch Lomond and heritage charity The Trossachs.
The theft has been reported to police. James Fraser, chairman of Friends of Loch Lomond, said he hoped the thieves would have a “pang of conscience”.
The monument is near Invernoaden House and the 14,000-acre Glenbranter Estate that Harry Lauder bought as an engagement present for his son.
Captain lauder was killed before he could marry his fiancee Mildred Thomson.
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