Collection box at a 16th century Sutherland site broken into for second year running
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Thieves have broken into a collection box placed at a historic site in north west Sutherland, it has emerged.
Historic Assynt revealed that a box located at Ardvreck Castle was broken into last week - the second such incident in two years. However, because of the coronavirus pandemic and the lack of visitors, it is not thought that there was any great sum in it.
Dating from the 16th century, the ruined Ardvreck Castle stands on a rocky promontory jutting out into Loch Assynt. In normal years it is visited by thousands of tourists.
A group representative posted on social media that he was sharing the information “with a heavy heart”.
He said: “Last year we replaced the collection boxes at Ardvreck after someone had broken into them and last night (Friday) we received a call from Police Scotland to let us know it has happened again.
"I wouldn’t like to comment on what sort of person steals from a charity - and given the lack of visitors this summer, what sort of person breaks into an almost certainly or close to empty collection box.
“It looks like the padlock on our box did its job as it is still locked, but a fairly sustained beating on what we thought was a sturdy box was more than it could cope with.”
He said it appeared the group’s box was not the only one to have been targeted.
“If you are part of a local group with remote collection boxes, please check them as soon as you are able,” said the spokesman.
“And if anyone has seen any suspicious activity near the Ardvreck car park in the last week or two, please do call Police Scotland on 101 and let them know."
Historic Assynt has also asked for suggestions as to a better way of raising funds than on-site collection boxes.
Social media users have condemned the incident with Ivy Campbell posting: “Such as shame. No respect,” and Fiona Cumming writing: “That is awful”.
Another social media user suggested: “Most people carry phones now, a text donation might be simplest and you get the chance to thank each individual for the donation. Removing the temptation of cash will help your thieves to lead a more honest life. Win win.”
