In a crime that embodies the spirit of Scrooge, Edinburgh's festive season has been marred by the audacious theft of an eight-foot-tall nutcracker statue from outside a popular city centre bar.
The Festive Heist
The incident occurred on Monday at approximately 10:10pm on George Street. CCTV footage captured the moment a thief, riding an e-bike, brazenly removed the soldier statue named Nolan from outside the Copper Blossom cocktail bar. The individual was seen placing the massive decoration across their lap before cycling off towards St Andrew Square.
Speaking to The UK Tonight on Sky News, bar manager Paul Paxton revealed the significant financial impact of the crime. "The individual nutcrackers are about £900 each," he stated. The stolen nutcracker, Nolan, was part of a pair; his "brother" Nelson has since been moved into the bar's foyer for safekeeping.
Catastrophic Consequences
Mr Paxton described the situation as "pretty catastrophic", a blow exacerbated by additional damage. A table worth hundreds of pounds was also broken during the incident. Despite an initial appeal offering clemency for the statue's return, the manager admitted he does not expect to see Nolan again soon.
Expressing a degree of disappointment, Paxton noted that about 12 or 13 people walked past during the theft, which was not a quick process. "Even if someone had run in, that could have helped. It wasn't a quick process - he fell off his bike," he told journalist Jayne Secker. "A heads-up would have been lovely."
Police Investigation Underway
Paul Paxton is scheduled to speak with police about their ongoing investigation into the theft. Sightings of the distinctive nutcracker were reported "around Edinburgh" later on the same night. The thief was captured on CCTV wearing a dark hoodie, providing a key detail for the authorities.
This Grinch-like act has cast a shadow over the bar's Christmas display, turning what should be a joyous installation into a story of a festive statue stolen from the heart of Scotland's capital.
