A life size model of a Highland cow model was 'rustled' from a field at Mains of Balhaldie, by the A9, in the early hours of Friday, November 4, its owners told The F this week.

The fibreglass cow, called Windy, was a popular landmark on the south bound side of the road between Blackford and Dunblane. Owner, Sarah McSpoff, is calling on anyone with information to get in touch and has reported the theft to police.

Mrs McSpoff believed the theft occurred between Thursday evening and Friday morning and suspected it was a premeditated raid. She said: “I am really annoyed and upset by it and can't quite believe the blatantness of people as its right on the A9.

"The cow weights more than a person and was bolted down with the bolts covered in cement, so it wasn't easy to shift. Whoever stole Windy must have arrived prepared and had a team of people as they lifted her over the fence.

"This was all done right by the busy A9, so someone must have seen what happened. I want to let people know about the theft, so she becomes too hot to handle!” she added.

After notifying the police Mrs McSpoff shared information about the theft on her facebook page which led to two people getting in touch with potential sighting. She said: “One of the sightings was a Highland cow strapped to the back of a tipper truck heading towards Dundee at 8.30am that Friday.

“She was put here as a bit of a landmark and a pointer as no one could ever find our farm or my art gallery, plus she became a bit of A9 fun to put a smile on people's faces. She had been dressed up for the Jubilee, Halloween and was going to get dressed up for Christmas.”

Anyone with information can get in touch with Mrs McSpoff through her website, www.mcspoffart.com