Youngster donates savings as stolen charity boxes from the Highland Cycle Ability Centre found in the River Nairn
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Charity cash boxes stolen from the Highland Cycle Ability Centre in June have been recovered from the River Nairn.
Thieves broke into the centre at Old Mill of Cantray on successive nights despite the premises being secured before and after the first incident.
Alastair McGregor, a member of Cawdor and East Nairnshire Community Council, reported the boxes had been found empty in the river by a fisherman.
“We were pleased to get them back,” he said.
“But we would still like the public’s help to find who carried out these mean thefts.
“It was a week’s takings and the funds help provide cycling opportunities for people, including many with disabilities, in a lovely setting along the banks of the River Nairn.
“We would still ask anyone who has information to contact the police.”
The thefts occurred on the evenings of June 28 and 29.
A near neighbour of the cycle centre, nine-year-old Evie Strachan, was so upset by the break-ins she handed over a package containing money she had received for her birthday and Christmas.
Evie and her brother Rory (12) have no disabilities, but because the centre is close to their home they are regular visitors and enjoying cycling on the track.
Centre co-ordinator Joanna McGregor said cash is no longer kept on the premises.
“The centre is now open fully after Covid and we hope we never experience anything like this again and can continue to provide a valuable service to local people,” she added.
