Kathy Parkinson, a member of Mid Deeside Community Council, contacted the Piper after the planted trough disappeared from near Strang's filling station in Kincardine O'Neil.

"We have the floral displays and tubs all along the street every year," she said. "We've put extra ones out this year and one of the long troughs has disappeared and we are appealing to whoever took it to please return it."

Mrs Parkinson, who is also a member of the Kincardine O'Neil Village Association, said one person could have lifted the trough but would probably have needed transport to move it any distance.

The village has a floral display each year, with tubs and flowers financed by Aberdeenshire Council, who give cash to Mid Deeside Community Council to organise and arrange the displays, which were this year planted up by George Parkinson, from the Gordon Arms Hotel, and village association chairman Sandy Mann, with help from Jake Harker and Bob Duthie.

"The tubs and troughs have been on display since the beginning of June," said Mrs Parkinson. "Last year we had nine empty tubs out of 20 removed from an enclosed area behind the Gordon Arms Hotel. We got them replaced but it meant going out to buy new ones, which were planted by David Brooks, from the village store."

Mrs Parkinson said the trough disappeared on either Friday or Saturday and had been reported to the police.

"We're not interested in who took it and why, we just want it returned please," she said. "It is quite distinct because they are all planted out the same with pinks and blue and little conifers."