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Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Billy Connolly scarecrow destroyed after being stolen
The life-sized figure, created by Louise Haggerty for the Drymen Gala Day scarecrow competition, was snatched from her garden on Saturday night. The property is just a few hundred yards from where the legendary comedian once lived in the late 1970s. READ MORE: Hit reality show Married at First Sight seeking Glaswegian singles for new series (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' — a nod to his famous stage persona. 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) READ MORE: TRNSMT food prices REVEALED including £15.50 pizza 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) READ MORE: 'How dare they': Lorraine Kelly hits out as iconic cult classic returns to TV screens 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!'
The National
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Billy Connolly scarecrow stolen and 'dismembered'
The life-sized figure, created by Louise Haggerty for the Drymen Gala Day scarecrow competition, was snatched from her garden on Saturday night. 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!'
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Billy Connolly scarecrow stolen from garden near Big Yin's former home
Louise, 65, whose late brother-in-law Davie was Billy's minder when he was a resident in Drymen, Stirlingshire, is hoping the comedian himself might make an appeal for the scarecrow to be brought home. Louise Haggerty is clutching at straws trying to track down her stolen Billy Connolly scarecrow. It was nicked from her front garden just a few hundred yards from where the Big Yin himself lived in the late 70s. Louise, 65, whose late brother-in-law Davie was Billy's minder and best pal when he was a resident in Drymen, Stirlingshire, is hoping the comedian himself might make an appeal for the scarecrow's return if he reads the Record. She said: 'Every year as part of the Drymen Gala Day celebrations, there's a scarecrow competition and this year we decided to do Billy with his banana feet. 'It turned out great and you have no idea the number of people who stopped to photograph it. Some even climbed up to our fence to have their picture taken beside Billy. 'The gala committee decided on a Hawaiian theme for the scarecrows this year so we just shoved a garland round its neck. 'It was great. I went into the butcher's and he said it was the talk of the steamie. 'But on Saturday night, a car pulled up, and somebody jumped out and stole our scarecrow. 'It's wearing my leggings and T-shirt and I'd like them back. 'I was angry at first but we can see the funny side now. 'If the scarecrow is off on a haycation somewhere and somebody's getting pleasure from it, fair enough. But I'd hate to think it's been flytipped, because a lot of work went into it. I made the big banana feet from old oilskins and the hair, beard and eyebrows from sheep's wool I dyed black. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'John even made a wee banjo for it. Just before it was stolen, John heard a lot of cackling and laughing and a horn beep, beep, beeping. 'He went outside and all that was left of Billy was his glasses. 'He's raging and says he'd like to get his hands on whoever stole Billy. 'It seems like it was just a quick grab and go. 'The gala was last month but I was going to leave it out until the end of August just because of the amount of interest it sparked. 'Whoever has taken it has ruined the fun and joy for other people.' After the couple divorced, he moved to London and now lives in Florida with second wife Pamela Stephenson. Louise said: 'We'd love to know where the scarecrow is now. 'John's brother Davie was great friends with Billy when he lived here all those years ago so maybe if he reads the Daily Record, he could put out an appeal for the return of the scarecrow and help us get it back.'
