A kind-hearted couple from the States are to bring a windfall for an animal rescue centre in the Highlands with the donation of a rare native American Indian pot.
Cruise ship holidaymakers Nancy and David Brown were on a coach tour of the Black Isle after their liner docked in Invergordon when their guide mentioned they were passing Munlochy Animal Aid.
The charity celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, holding its annual fete next Saturday, and the animal-loving visitors were keen to make a donation.
Three weeks after the cruise a package arrived at the home of Joan Anderson, the guide who had led Nancy and David’s tour of the Highlands and who is a supporter of the Munlochy centre.
It contained a valuable handmade native American Indian pot.
Joan said: “A letter in the box explained that this was an example of a traditional craft from Acoma in New Mexico and that such pottery is highly prized by collectors.
“I had told the Browns about Animal Aid and the upcoming fete and auction and they said they wanted the piece to be auctioned to raise money.”
Examples of Acoma pottery can be worth much as several hundred dollars so the sale of the pot could bring significant financial boost for the rescue charity.
The pair, from Santa Fe in New Mexico, have also made a cash donation and Iona Nicol who started Munlochy Animal Aid in 1978 is delighted with their generosity.
She said: “This is such a kind and heart-warming gesture from this American couple after what was simply a chance remark on a coach tour.
“Our fete on Saturday is a key fund-raiser for the charity and this beautiful and unique hand-painted pot is a very welcome addition to our auction sale.”
