Police are on the trail of thieves who raided a north-east castle and made away with cash.
The incident at Delgatie Castle’s trout fishery, near Turriff, happened between 6.50pm on Monday last week and 7.30am the following morning [June 13].
Officers have confirmed a low three-figure sum of money was stolen as a result.
Last night, Delgatie Castle trustee Joan Johnson said the land of the trout fishery was rented out by independent fishermen.
No one from the trout fishery could be reached for comment.
But investigating officer, Constable Alfie Stuart, said: “We would like to appeal to the public to contact us if they saw anything suspicious during these times in and around the Delgatie Castle area.
“I would also like to use this opportunity to encourage householders to be mindful of securing their property, any outbuildings, vehicles and property of value at all times, in an effort to prevent opportunist thefts that continue to occur in Turriff and the surrounding communities.”
Anyone with information about the break-in has been asked to contact police on 101 and quote the reference number 535 of June 13.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Delgatie Castle’s trout fishery opened in 2004 and offers fly fishing facilities for both rainbow and brown trout.
The loch covers four acres. Catch and release tickets to fish on the waters start from just £10 for four hours.
Delgatie Castle itself was first built in about 1049. It was rebuilt in the 16th century to defend against siege.
It was most recently the home of Captain John Hay of Delgatie, Chief of Clan Hay.
Mr Hay, who served on the Afghan border in the 1930s and organised defences in Shetland during World War Two, died in 1997.
The castle and estate were left to the Delgatie Castle Trust following his death.
