A 'much-loved' dragon has been nicked from a Hamilton library by brazen thieves.

Libraries South Lanarkshire took to social media to reveal its 'beloved purple dragon' sculpture has been stolen from the Hamilton Town House Library.

Announcing the sad news, they said the creature - which was a 'meticulously crafted gift from a kind member of the public years ago' - was more than 'just a prop'.

(Image: Libraries South Lanarkshire)

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They said it was a 'beloved guardian' of the facility's children's section and every Christmas he donned a 'Santa hat'.

After revealing the 'cherished' feature had been pinched, the library said its 'absence leaves a giant dragon-sized hole in their hearts'.

Now, they are urging anyone with information on the lost prop to reach out. 

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In the post, Libraries South Lanarkshire said: "A heartfelt farewell to our beloved purple dragon.

"Dear Hamilton library community, today we share some sad news.

"Our cherished purple dragon, a meticulously crafted gift from a kind member of the public years ago, has been stolen.

"This dragon was more than just a prop; it was a beloved guardian of our children's section, captivating young imaginations and bringing joy to countless visitors.

"Every Christmas, he donned a Santa hat, his big smiling jaws adorned with tinsel, becoming a festive landmark in our library."

They continued to say: "His presence on the shelf brought magic and wonder to our space, and his absence leaves a giant, dragon-sized hole in our hearts.

"If you have any information about our missing dragon, please reach out.

"Let's bring our beloved friend back home.

"Thank you for your support and understanding during this time."

Following the gutting news, Monica Lennon MSP took to social media to say the library 'won't be the same' without the creature.

She said: "A much-loved purple dragon has been stolen from the library in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire.

"The children's section of the library won't be the same without it.

"Please help the Hamilton Townhouse Library team bring their dragon home."

 

 

A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture said: “The purple paper mache dragon was donated to Hamilton Town House Library in 2021 by a customer whose daughter created it as part of an art project.

“Library staff noticed that the dragon, which sits at the entrance to the children’s library, was missing on Tuesday, July 23.

"After searching, the library staff posted on Libraries South Lanarkshire social media that the dragon was missing in the hope that someone might be able to help return the dragon, which has no financial value but is very popular with many visitors to the library.

“We are currently reviewing CCTV to try to establish how it was removed from the library.

“If the dragon is not returned we will work with local schools to design a replacement model that will be loved by our young visitors and parents alike.”