MINDLESS thieves have once again targeted an Irvine charity - the second time in as many months.

Heartless robbers stole a boat used by the Coastwatch Scotland charity between Tuesday, June 21 and Wednesday, June 22.

This is the second time the charity have been stung in the last two months after thugs ransacked another of their boats in May - costing £1,000 worth of damage.

Times readers will know that the Irvine group have been fundraising for the last two years not only to help restore the town’s iconic Pilot House but to provide essential coastline safety.

Billy Lamb from Coastwatch Scotland has once again voiced his dismay and disgust at the theft.

He is urging anyone with any information to come forward and help retrieve the boat which will cost £500 to replace.

Speaking to the Times this week, Billy said: “We kept the boat on the hard standing next to the Maritime Museum slipway.

"From there we could easily launch the boat and paddle out to our 15 feet long rowing boats on their river moorings.

“The boat is about six feet long and four feet wide with a grey coloured hull and white and blue inside.

“We were in the process of refurbishing the boat by fitting a seat and rowlocks to it and painting the hull.” Billy added: “It feels like someone is intentionally causing us harm by stealing our boats and damaging the others.

“It will cost about £500 to replace this boat. Two people would have had to lift this boat onto a trailer or something so surely someone must have seen them steal it!

“We’ll easily recognise it we see it, we’ve put particular markings on it which are hidden from normal view.” A spokesperson for Police Scotland said that enquiries were still ongoing and they are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 101.