Search and rescue volunteers have spoken of their disappointment after cash donations were stolen from a collection box at a Sutherland beauty spot.
Assynt Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) were shocked to discover their donations box at Inchnadamph car park had been broken into as they began team training on Saturday.
The padlock and front panel lay on the grass below after the box had been cleared out by thieves.
Assynt MRT posted a picture to social media showing the empty box and the scale of the damage.
The donations box is one of a number situated in countryside locations and local establishments across the area.
Around £800 in public donations is generated each year from the boxes.
The group estimate the money stolen may have been worth in the region of £150 following a surge in footfall during the Easter holidays.
The incident was reported to police.
‘It has a big impact on the team’
Volunteers say the incident has come at a great cost as the MRT struggles to fund the group’s life-saving work due to rising costs, and a shortfall in funding.
Treasurer and trustee Sue Agnew said she was shocked to discover the money was gone.
She said: “It was a bit of a shock, especially as we had just held our annual meeting and we were talking about a shortfall in our budget for this coming financial year.
“I was going to empty it when I found out what had happened.
“It’s a small amount of money to a lot of people but it has a big impact on the team without a doubt.”
The incident has prompted talks by volunteers on whether the boxes should be removed.
Mrs Agnew has been with the team for more than 17 years serving as deputy team leader and team leader before taking on the role of treasurer.
She says talks are under way to discuss the fundraising opportunities available to them.
“We have started to discuss whether we remove the boxes or whether we adapt them to make them even more secure,” she added.
“Nothing will be foolproof at the end of the day, but it is something we must think about.
“We don’t want to remove them because it is a bit of a public face. We are trying to think of other opportunities to promote and get funding.”
Mrs Agnew says the response from the local community has been overwhelming.
She said: “The response that we have had from our supporters has been phenomenal; not only just the words of kindness but also people have been putting money into our Just Giving site, which has been really welcome.
“I think that just shows the feeling in the community when something like this happens and the support they want to give back to the team.
“We are always very, very grateful for all those that do fund us, donate to us and support us. It doesn’t have to be money, it’s the kind words as well that we really appreciate as a team.”
Assynt MRT overwhelmed by outpouring of support
Appalled local residents have rallied around to offer support to the group.
Supporters took to the comments to condemn the “appalling behaviour” as others made donations to the group’s Just Giving page.
Thomas Janzen wrote: “What is going on with humans? Makes me sick.”
Meanwhile, Sam Barber described the incident as “Absolutely despicable.”
Police have now launched an investigation into the incident.
Officers are calling on witnesses to come forward and assist with their inquiries.
Anyone who has information can contact police on 101 quoting reference number 2461 of April 22.
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