VANDALS in Peebles tried to “decapitate” a much-loved cow in Venlaw Wood.

However, the attack isn’t quite as vicious and sickening as it sounds, as its owner John Falla told the Peeblesshire News, this week.

Two aluminium cows have been positioned around the town since April Fools' Day as part of a flash art project by volunteer group Bonnie Peebles Plus.

But one of them, named Betsy, has been subject to an attack.

Mr Falla said: “Betsy has survived the Venlaw pastures since mid-June but there is always someone who wants to spoil things.”

Those responsible tried to break the cow’s neck – but failed to cause any real damage.

Mr Falla explained: “They tried to bend the neck of the cow but it is made of aluminium so it never broke off.

“What has happened is the plastic photograph on the front has naturally cracked.

“I have straightened it out as best as I can and I have a spare bit of aluminium that I’ll cut to the same shape as the neck and glue it on the back so it will be okay.”

Mr Falla says many locals passing by have told him how they spoke to Betsy every morning and then felt that her eyes followed them until they were well past.

Mr Falla also witnessed children dragging their mums up to her, smiling and waving as they went by.

He mused: “The first time we moved one of the cows I met a chap and he told me he was disappointed as he spoke to the cow every morning and was sad to see it had disappeared. There were one or two doubters when I put her up Venlaw that said she wouldn’t last the weekend.

“I knew there was a risk from the start but she’s lasted a lot longer than I first anticipated. The vandals didn’t win. There was far more enjoyment circulated in her fan club than any pleasure someone got doing this.”

Mr Falla is confident that with a little TLC and plastic surgery, Betsy will be back on show again.