Stolen Tattoo grandstand girders may be sold as scrap

Published on Wednesday 25 May 2011 15:14

STOLEN steel girders earmarked for the construction of the new Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo grandstand at Edinburgh Castle could have been melted down and used as scrap - or sold on to be "laundered" by a dealer, metals experts have claimed.

The 20 tonnes of steel, which are believed to be worth about 50,000, was taken as it was stored in a pair of trailers parked on the Houston Industrial Estate in Livingston on Sunday night.

Police have appealed for help in tracking down the distinctive red trailers, warning that they are "integral" to the hosting of the annual event, which is due to start on 5 August.

But Neil Buxton, managing director of metals consultancy GFMS, said the high price of steel meant that thefts are not uncommon - and warned that there is a strong black market for stolen metals.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders police warned dealers to keep a lookout for the girders.

"With steel prices remaining high, it is likely that the steel has been specifically targeted," he said. "It's important dealers and tradesmen are aware that this steel has been stolen, as someone may well try to sell it on in the next few days," but added that it could have been transported out of Scotland.

"It is possible that those responsible were mainly interested in the trailers. However we would urge members of the public to stay vigilant and to contact us if they have information."

A spokeswoman for the Tattoo said the construction of the 16 million grandstand would go ahead as planned.