Two historical plaques stolen at reservoir
Two valued pieces of Ayrshire’s water history have been stolen in a mindless theft.
Commemorative plaques of historical importance have been removed from their home at Scottish Water’s Loch Bradan near Straiton.
The cruel thefts were reported to police on Tuesday, March 15 with water chiefs working alongside police to trace the plaques that tell the history of a key reservoir.
The main plaque is 110 years old and marked the official opening of the original Bradan Dam on July 18, 1912 , which is now submerged in the existing reservoir, and once supplied water to Troon.
The other plaque referred to the transferral of the older plaque from the original dam on December 20, 1972.
Water chiefs have hit out at thieves for despoiling local history and heritage.
Gary Caig, Scottish Water’s water operations manager, said: “We are very disappointed and saddened by this mindless theft.
“These commemorative plaques mark, and celebrate, the construction and operation of important assets in Scotland’s water infrastructure, which every community across the country has depended on since they were built.
“These sorts of plaques are part of our history, curiosities to read, enjoy and learn about the work of our predecessors.
“This is not just a theft but a despoiling of our history and heritage.”
Bradan Water treatment works, which takes its water from Loch Bradan, now supplies water to more than 200,000 customers in parts of South, North and East Ayrshire.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Officers received a report of the theft of two historical plaques from a monument at the Loch Bradan Reservoir on Tuesday, March 15, 2022.”