Badenoch respite gardens 'looted' but community rallies to support
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Kincraig's Open Arms Community Support respite gardens were raided on Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning.
At the site, which is based at Dalraddy between Aviemore and Kincraig, the support group's Michaela Street told the Strathy today: "We're very sad and disappointed.
"Over the last few days numerous items have been taken – stolen –including four fairy homes and fairy items, two bags of compost, iron/wooden steps and benches which our seniors used.
"We have also lost numerous plants, three large wooden square planters and sensory moving items.
"Many of these have been created through our hard work and fundraising, but some had come from families who have donated in memory of their children and older loved ones."
One wooden planter was waiting for special plaque to be attached to it.
The 'looting' as described by one social media supporter, has forced Open Arms to cancel special visits scheduled today for two seniors with dementia and a autistic child who were to help planting.
"They were set to get involved with what we do," said Ms Street, "but as we have no compost we have cancelled until we can go buy more.
"Yes, with our being set up so openly we were aware this might happen, but we had hoped it would not– and certainly not so much all in a few days.
"It's all very upsetting.
"But at the same time the support we have been shown by the community is wonderful.
"We have to thank all the volunteers who turned out today to receive the visitors who didn't know that we'd had to cancel.
"We will be back to normal soon. The community have been amazing with their support with their messages but also with their donations into our fundraising or have offered and delivered items to our garden.
"A massive thank you to all the individuals who have lent their support, and there is quite a number, and our gratitude also goes out to the businesses who have been so generous.
"Morrison Lawn & Landscape, The Coffee Pot, Jamie Rodgers Funeral Directors & The Speyside Centre have all helped out so much and we really want to thank them too.
"For the families whose items were stolen that were bought in memory of their children and older loved ones we send all our love to you and we hope to replace your items soon through our fundraising."
The incident has now been reported to the police for investigation.
