The Isle of Gigha is a small idyllic island off the west coast of Kintyre in Scotland and was known for something quite extraordinary – no crime has been reported on the island for over 20 years since a bicycle went missing.
Many of the community-owned island’s 160 residents have felt so secure they don’t even lock their front doors.
But sadly, the crime-free streak was broken last weekend when £2,000 was stolen from the island’s only hotel The Gigha Hotel, situated in Ardminish Village.
Residents have been left shocked and saddened by the unusual crime as police investigate the theft.
Resident Willie McSporran, 82, told The Scotsman: “It’s terrible that these things are happening now after all these years. The last thing I remember is a bike going missing about 20 years ago, when my brother had the local shop.
“When we are on the island our door is open but we will lock the door now, I think it would be sensible for people to lock their doors now. People tend to be more trusting on the islands, they have no suspicion, but they will need to think again.”
Staff discovered the money was taken when they opened up on Sunday morning after a busy hotel weekend full of guests.
According to some residents, the theft needs to be seen as a singular crime but some changes need to be made, such as installing CCTV.
The crime is at odds with the warm community spirit on the Inner Hebrides island, which boasts stunning beaches, wonderful scenery, an array of wildlife, and can be accessed by a 20-minute ferry journey from Kintyre.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Between 10.00pm on Saturday September 8 and 1.00am on Sunday September 9 at the Gigha Hotel on the Isle of Gigha, entry was gained to a storeroom and money was stolen.
“Constable David Hope at Campbeltown Police Station is investigating the incident and is appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with any information, to contact him on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Source: Country Living
