A cafe is urging the wider north-east community will give what they can to help cover the repair of a historic painting.
A 45-year-old mural that was created by art teacher John Stewart was left destroyed last week when thieves smashed their way into Banff’s Kelpie Cafe.
The culprits only made off with a set of keys and empty cash bags but left the painting, which depicts Scottish outlaw James MacPherson, in ruins.
A fundraiser was launched on Monday to raise £2,500 to foot a restoration bill.
And yesterday, locals had already pledged £385.
Mark McDermott, service manager at the cafe – which provides training opportunities for people with learning disabilities – said reaction to efforts to have the painting restored to its former glory were “brilliant”.
“There has been a very positive reaction from people,” he added.
“It means we’re well on the way to having it restored.
“We don’t expect to get the full amount covered, but anything would help.
“We think it will end up costing us about £800 or £900 to have it repaired, if we can get it done reasonably.
“Everyone’s efforts really helps us get the message out there.”
The painting, which is 15ft long, was only returned to the north-east in 2014.
It spent more than 20 years in an Edinburgh attic before being snapped up by Whitehills man John Milne, a former pupil of Mr Stewart.
It satirises MacPherson and features prominent political figures of the 1970s, including former PM Ted Heath, SNP MP Hamish Watt, and trade union activist Jimmy Reid.
Mr Milne, the owner of the artwork, said: “I can’t believe the amount of anger coming from the public.
“They are 100% behind me on this one.
“I am happy to leave it where it is, and I think the cafe is the ideal place for people to go and see it.”
To donate to the appeal, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mcpherson
Last night, police inquires continued into tracing the people responsible for the damage.
