The gold mine at Cononish near Tyndrum. Photo: Ashley Dace CC-BY-SA-2.0

Police are appealing to Highland walkers for information after an attempted gold heist failed.

A gold mine in the shadow of munro Ben Lui was broken into and samples stolen.

But police said the sediment taken from the Cononish gold mine is worthless, and are asking if outdoor enthusiasts saw anyone carrying boltcutters near the site, which is only accessible from a track, which starts near the West Highland Way.

Police Scotland said the Cononish gold mine and outbuildings near Tyndrum were broken into between 28 May and 1 June.

A spokesperson said “The mines are in a remote location and can only be accessed by walking along a three-mile rough track.

“The culprit or culprits have cut the padlocks securing the mines and stolen samples of stream sediment. These samples do not contain gold. No gold or anything else of value is kept at the location.”

Sergeant David Hannah added: “The culprit or culprits have walked a significant distance with a set of boltcutters to cut the padlocks and then steal them and samples of sediment.

“If you have seen someone in this area carrying boltcutters or if you know who is responsible then please call Police Scotland on 101 or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Developers Scotgold were given permission to mine for gold at the site, in the Ben Lui national nature reserve, but no gold mining has yet taken place at the location, in the foothills of the 1,130m (3,710ft) mountain, the 27th highest in Britain.