30ft flagpole stolen from Moray village
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Villagers in Kingston have been left perplexed and annoyed by the theft of their 30ft flagpole.
The pole, which was secured 3ft into the ground, has gone missing this week from its site on Beach Road.
It was bought five years ago to help pay respects to those who have lost their lives at sea.
A ceremony is held each year on the closest Sunday to September 3, which is Merchant Navy Remembrance Day.
During this the merchant navy flag, commonly known as "The Red Duster", is raised by the Moray Sea Cadets.
This flag has also disappeared along with the pole.
Jim Mackie, of Innes Community Council, said: "The flagpole has withstood storms and snow – but now this happens.
"Enquiries have been made locally but nobody seems to have seen who took it or when.
"If we can't locate the pole or the flag, then we'll have to purchase replacements.
"The annual ceremony has been a way to pay respect to all those who have lost their lives at sea both during peacetime and war.
"After all, Kingston was a centre for shipbuilding for more than a century.
"To my mind, stealing the flagpole is similar to damaging a war memorial.
"Members of the community council and other locals cannot understand the mentality of those who have removed it, nor what benefit they will get from having it."
