Never mind I Cannae Hear You, we cannae see you any more!

IT'S not the sort of thing you would expect to happen at the home of the legal profession.

But police are investigating after thieves made off with a 4,000 painting from the Capital's Signet Library, in Parliament Square, leaving only a solitary hook where it once was.

I Cannae Hear You, painted by Borders artist Tom Scott (1834-1927) is now being dubbed "I Cannae See You" by staff who are desperate for its return.

Robert Pirrie, chief executive of the WS Society, which owns the library, said: "It is a total mystery as to how someone made off with this painting without being noticed. We're incredibly disappointed at what has happened."

The WS Society – Scotland's independent association for lawyers – closed its premises for a festive break from 31 December to 5 January, opening only once on New Year's Day to allow 200 people access for a ticket-only lecture at 3:30pm.

Although police are still investigating, it appears the painting was most probably taken during this time, as there were no signs of forced entry to the building.

Mr Pirrie said: "We cannot think of any other occasion when the painting could have disappeared.

"We like to make the building available from time to time – we feel we have a responsibility to do so. This sort of thing has never happened before, though."

The country's leading sale rooms have since been made aware of the theft in case someone attempts to sell the painting through them. It is estimated to be worth between 2,500 and 4,000 and is set in an attractive gold-coloured 2ft frame.

Mr Pirrie said: "We have no idea why this painting was taken, but doubt very much that it was targeted.

"It's not a very well known painting, but it is also not very big. I suppose it's on the outer limits of something you could try to carry, although you'd still be taking a risk that nobody would notice.

"As I said, it's incredibly disappointing and we'd be grateful to anyone who could assist."

Edinburgh-based Unique Events was behind the New Year's Conversation event at the Signet Library on 1 January, with author Harry Reid and Richard Holloway, formerly the Bishop of Edinburgh, looking at the effect the Reformation had on the city.

Director Pete Irvine said: "We have only recently become aware of this occurrence and we are looking into it."

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police appealed for information. He said: "This has been an opportunistic theft of a relatively expensive piece of artwork and we are eager to ensure it is returned to the library.

"If anyone has information that can assist with our investigation they are asked to contact the police immediately.

"Similarly, anyone who comes across the painting or can help police locate its whereabouts is also asked to come forward."