Members of Minto Golf Club near Hawick in the Scottish Borders have reacted with dismay after burglars made off with the club's complete trophy collection during a break-in on the night of Saturday, 15 August 2026. Police Scotland confirmed officers were called to the clubhouse at around 22:45 following reports of an intrusion, during which roughly 60 pieces of silverware were taken.
Among the items stolen was the Stewart and Paula Aitchison Memorial Trophy, one of several awards no longer actively competed for but retained by the club for their historical and sentimental significance.
A club spokesperson said the trophies carried far greater meaning than their material value, describing them as a link to nearly a century of shared history.
These trophies are far more than pieces of silverware. They represent almost 100 years of history, achievements, friendships and treasured memories of generations of members.
To see that history taken from our club is absolutely heart-breaking.
We sincerely hope that these irreplaceable pieces of our club's history can be returned.
According to a regional broadcaster's report, the club also posted on social media that it was "devastated" by the theft, while expressing gratitude to police for their "swift response" and ongoing efforts to track down the missing items.
The club's spokesperson also called on other sporting organisations across the Scottish Borders to review and strengthen their own security arrangements to safeguard trophies and memorabilia of similar historical value.
What have investigators said about the trophy cabinet damage?
Detective Constable Bruce Dodds confirmed that the trophy cabinet inside the clubhouse was destroyed during the break-in and that a number of sentimental items remain missing.
A number of trophies of sentimental value were taken and we are keen to recover them as soon as possible.
He appealed to the public for any information that could assist officers in tracing the stolen silverware.
What happens next in the investigation?
Police Scotland said enquiries into the break-in are continuing, and officers are appealing for anyone in the vicinity of Minto Golf Club around the time of the incident to check for relevant dash-cam or private CCTV footage, according to a regional broadcaster's report. Anyone with information has been asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 3962 of 15 August 2026.
Key Facts
- Break-in reported at Minto Golf Club near Hawick at approximately 22:45 on 15 August 2026.
- Around 60 pieces of silverware were stolen, including the Stewart and Paula Aitchison Memorial Trophy.
- The clubhouse trophy cabinet was destroyed during the burglary.
- Police are seeking dash-cam or private CCTV footage and ask witnesses to call 101 with reference 3962 of 15 August 2026.
- The club thanked Police Scotland for its swift response while urging other clubs to boost security.
