action branded sickening and heinous as police launch probe into Spean Bridge break-in
Outrage over theft from war memorial donation box
Published:
The theft of money from a world-famous Highland war memorial was branded “sickening” and “heinous” by police and local politicians yesterday.
An investigation has been launched after cash was stolen from the donation box at the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge.
The theft is believed to have taken place during the past week and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
It is not known how much was taken from the box but it’s known that donations increase as Remembrance Sunday approaches.
Yesterday more than 100 World War II veterans, proudly wearing their Green Berets, gathered at Spean Bridge.
The Commandos are in the area for this weekend’s Remembrance Day parades and services.
And on Sunday, the granite Commando Memorial, unveiled by the Queen Mother in 1952, will be the focal point of their pilgrimage.
Yesterday Lochaber area commander Chief Inspector John Chisholm describing the theft as “sickening".
He said: “We do not know how much money was in the box at the time of the theft, but whatever the amount it is a sickening act, particularly as we approach Remembrance Sunday."
The money is administered by Highland Council and goes towards maintaining the war memorial site.
Last night Councillor Eddie Hunter said he spoke on behalf of all seven Lochaber councillors when he described the theft as “heinous”.
And he added: “It’s a particular nasty thing to do with Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday approaching.”
His fellow ward councillor, Bill Clark, said: “It’s such a popular site at all times of the year, not just with people from Scotland, but from all over the world.
“There must have been quite a lot of money in it. The perpetrator of that crime would have had some idea because they wouldn’t have gone to all that trouble for just a few pounds.”
Anyone with any information is urged to contact police on 01397 702361 or call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
