Billy Connolly scarecrow stolen and 'dismembered'
The property is just a few hundred yards from where the legendary comedian once lived in the late 1970s.
(Image: Louise Haggerty) This year's competition had a Hawaiian theme, prompting Louise and her partner John to recreate Connolly with his signature 'banana feet'.
She said: 'Every year for the Gala Day, there's a scarecrow competition and this time we decided to make Billy with his banana feet.
'It brought so much joy and pleasure to the community. You've no idea how many people stopped to take pictures — some even climbed our fence to pose beside him.'
The scarecrow quickly became a local talking point, drawing admiration from passers-by throughout the village.
But that admiration turned to outrage when the figure was stolen in the dead of night.
She made a public appeal on Facebook following the theft and urging for Billy to be returned. The appeal read: "Well, it was only a scarecrow, but we were amazed at the amount of attention it was getting, which gave us pleasure, given the amount of time and effort to create 'Billy'.
"However, about 10 minutes ago, some youngsters in a car pulled up and stole him.
"Just in case anyone was wondering why he had disappeared from our fence across from the Winnock car park!"
Pole where the scarecrow was taken from (Image: Louise Haggerty)
Though initially angry, Louise said she began to see the funny side — until the scarecrow's fate was discovered.
Although the Gala Day had taken place the previous month, Louise had planned to keep Billy on display until the end of August due to the overwhelming interest.
But the situation worsened just hours after she made a public appeal. Billy was found later that night, brutally destroyed and discarded.
Louise revealed: 'He was found less than a mile away, completely dismembered.
'His wooden banjo had been flung about 100 yards from the body. His leggings were ripped, and his torso was torn in half.
'I can't help but wonder what the point was. It almost felt like a vendetta, but I think it was probably just some spur-of-the-moment stupidity.'
The damage has left Louise feeling genuinely hurt.
She shared: 'I just can't understand the mentality behind it. What kind of fun is that? It's just plain stupidity.'
(Image: Louise Haggerty)
Locals were quick to leap to Louise's defence on social media, expressing their anger and disappointment in the vandalism.
One commenter wrote: 'Some people just make me sick. What benefit is there in stealing something like this?'
Another added: 'Unbelievable… It was brilliant seeing him standing there.'
A third said: 'That's ridiculous. Such a great scarecrow!'
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