A crowd funding bid has been launched to restore a historic north-east painting ruined by thieves.
The 45-year-old artwork in the Kelpie Café at Banff Castle was left with a large hole in it after being damaged in the incident last Thursday night.
‘Sickening’ destruction of historic painting during Banff cafe break-in
The culprits, who made off with a set of keys and empty cash bags, broke through a window before smashing the piece.
It was created by a local art teacher and depicts the hanging of James Macpherson, a freebooter hung in the town in 1700.
Now it is hoped it be can fully restored and an online fundraiser has begun to help pay for the costs of the repair.
It was taken down from the restaurant yesterday.
It remains unknown what the overhaul will cost, but organisers have set themselves a target of £2,500.
Mark McDermott, day service manager at the café, said they are not wasting any time in their bid to bring it back to its former glory.
He said: “We are moving as quickly as we can to get the painting restored.
“We are glad Banff Castle Association have given us a storage space to use.
“There has been a lot of response from the local community and so many people have said they wanted to contribute to the cost.
“This painting has such a strong feeling with Banff and Macduff.
“The original artist, John Stewart, has also offered to help restore it.”
John Milne, the owner of the artwork, said: “They have got a room in the castle for it, but it will be no easy feat getting it in as it is 15ft long.
“I can’t believe the amount of anger coming from the public.
“They are 100% behind me on this one.
“I am happy to leave it where it is, and I think the café is the ideal place for people to go and see it.”
Julian Watson, property convener at Banff Castle, said: “It really is a great piece of local art.
“We have set up and room with tables so it can be restored and we are looking to raise £2,500.
“Over the next week or so we hope to get it restored and we are racing round to get everything done.”
More information can be found on the crowdfunding appeal by visiting
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mcpherson
Police said they were continuing to investigate the break-in and urged anyone with information to call them on 101.
