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Good Samaritans in Ross-shire come to aid of French tourist after his bag is stolen in Wester Ross


By Staff Reporter

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Tom Marini sports his new kit bag alongside Lisa Simpson.
Tom Marini sports his new kit bag alongside Lisa Simpson.

GOOD Samaritans came to the help of an unfortunate traveller who had almost all of his belongings stolen during the first days of his visit to the Highlands.

Jemma Bartlett, a 34-year-old self-employed joiner from Contin, noticed the walker as she was driving towards Strathvaich to do some work last week.

And when she was making the return journey later that day she was surprised to see him still standing by the roadside.

It turned out that the man, Tom Marini from France, had his bag stolen and with it almost all his worldly goods.

Jemma said: “He’d lost everything he had.”

She offered him a lift and they got talking.

She added: “I said how I had seen him earlier in the morning but with a big rucksack and gear so asked where he was camping and why was he heading back down after spending all day hiking west.

“To my horror poor Tom had put his bag down outside a shop, I am guessing in Ullapool as it’s the only place near Strathvaich or Aultguish, anyway someone went and stole his gear. He told me it was such a small window [of time] but it was gone.

“My heart sank, I felt disgusted. Tom arrived from France on Saturday and was heading to the bothies for 10 days in the Highland wilds with all his provisions, food and such, and has now had his gear stolen.”

The incident was reported to police in Dingwall the following day and Jemma said: “Luckily he’d kept his phone and wallet in his pocket.”

Her aunt, Lisa Simpson from Macrae Crescent in Dingwall, was also able to help because she had previously packed a number of bags for the homeless which contained items such as a tent, sleeping bag and clothing.

She said: “They have everything you need if you are destitute.

“I was horrified, I thought what a shame, it was the guy’s first day here and for that to happen.

“I immediately thought one of those packs would be ideal

because it had everything he needs.”

Anyone who has any information about the whereabouts of the missing bag should contact Police Scotland on 101.


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