Shock at charity shop theft

Operators of a Sutherland charity shop have hit out at a thief who made away with jewellery and other items.

Staff at St Finbarr’s charity shop at Dornoch noticed on Thursday, October 23, that a silver cross had gone missing along with another item of jewellery and two cushions.

The theft has shocked staff at the popular shop, which is located in a building attached to the Masonic Hall – near Dornoch Cathedral – and raises money for local good causes.

A spokeswoman said: “Our dedicated volunteers donated more than £16,000 to help local charities this year. This despicable behaviour is very disappointing.”

St Finbarr’s has operated for almost 40 years and is run by a rota of 25 enthusiastic volunteers who also run a themed stall at the town’s community markets and car boots sales. The shop supports a broad range of local groups including those for children, the elderly, retired service personnel and families, people with special needs and other groups which promote heritage or music as well as some with a more general purpose.