'Have you seen this owl?' – Search starts for Inverness city centre statue
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An Inverness owl statue has disappeared from its city centre location, sparking calls to anyone that might have seen it.
The wooden eagle owl used to be perched over the former premises of the Highland Souvenirs shop on Inglis Street.
It is part of a trail popular with children and tourists, Wild About Inverness, created by local author and publisher Pauline Mackay, who is now hoping to its whereabouts.
She said "I was walking down the street the other day and I noticed the owl was no longer there!
"It's part of our trail around the city centre so we're devastated that it has gone.
"This is not the first time it disappeared. Last year, when the owner of the shop decided that it would not reopen after the pandemic, it was taken down and was given as a gift to one of the former employees.
"I didn't know where it had gone at first but then I met with the owner and he incredibly kindly found it and placed it back to its original place.
"Now I am very concerned, I hope it was not stolen. It would be a real shame: the statue is quite unique in Inverness and it is something loved by locals."
"It would be very sad if it had been stolen. If it doesn't reappear, I will have to change the maps and books in the future as it is no longer there.
"When I first included it I knew it was a bit riskier than other landmarks in the city, but it had been there for a decade and it tied in with stories of eagle owls suddenly appearing in Inverness city centre.
"If anyone can arrange to have it returned, what a Christmas present that would be!"
She said she was very grateful for the support many gave in a bid to find the missing wooden bird.
Anyone with information can get in touch with Pauline – who owns the AbleKids Press Shop on the Brae – at info@ablekidspress.com.
