A PIECE of Dunfermline's history is feared lost forever after vile thieves stole a 95-year-old brass plaque from the Royal British Legion building in New Row.

The plaque is the original dating from 1921 and was last seen in place on the left-hand side of the main door at 12.40am on Saturday.

However, it was missing when the building was opened up again just nine hours later at 9.30am – and members now fear they will “never see it again”.

Branch member and Royal British Legion Rider Mark Hoddinott said it was “gobsmacking that someone would do this”.

The ex-RAF serviceman told the Press: “The plaque was put on the wall when the branch was founded in 1921. It was polished every week.

“There were four brass screws that held it onto a wooden raised plinth. Whoever came along had a screwdriver, unscrewed it, took the plaque off, and – the cheek of it – screwed back two screws.

“It wasn't so much a shock to members but a feeling of 'how dare they' – the sheer disbelief that someone would do this. It's absolutely vile. It beggars belief, really.

“It's an absolute smack in the face for all members, not just in Dunfermline, but up and down the country, and to steal something of that age as well.

“They will all have to come up with security measures for their own plaques now to stop them being nicked.”

It's feared the the plaque was stolen for scrap but Mark explained: “Its value melted down would be just pennies – brass is only worth about £2,000 a tonne.

“The plaque was about a kilogramme tops, half a bag of sugar if you were lucky.

“I fear we will never see it again. We live in hope but I'm not going to hold my breath.

“We're hoping a sharp, eagle-eyed scrap metal merchant will see it and think: 'Look what I've got here.' We just want it back.”

Mark said a replacement had been commissioned but “unfortunately, it's going to be plastic”.

He continued: “It will be nowhere near the quality, stature or sentimental value of the original plaque.

“We can't put a brass one up there – whoever stole it will just come back again.”

Officers are now asking anyone with information that can assist them in their inquiries to get in touch.

Sergeant Karen Muirhead, of Dunfermline Police Station, said: “This is the original plaque for the British Legion in Dunfermline and it is of great sentimental value to the members.

“Anyone who can help us with our inquiries is asked to please contact us by calling into the police station or by phoning 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”