Mystery Ross-shire wallet find leads to poignant ending as owner's family is traced; Wallet and photos found in Strathconon wardrobe bought at Dingwall Auction Mart prompted public to pool information and help police
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A MYSTERY involving a wallet found in a Ross-shire wardrobe bought at a mart more than 35 years ago has been solved – and the timing could hardly be more poignant.
Highland Police had made an unusual appeal for help earlier this month after the discovery of the well-worn wallet in Strathconon.
The wardrobe had been bought at the Dingwall Auction Mart "at least 35 years ago" and police were looking for help in tracing its rightful owner.
Writing on the wallet included a service number and the words 'Guardsman Colclough, Coldstream Guards, Beirut, Syria' and a date in 1945.
Police said at the time: "We are sharing this in the hope that it can be returned to either the original owner or a relative who may recognise the details."
They also shared images of photos found within the wallet.
The posting sparked intense public interest and was shared widely by people prepared to make enquiries and pool information.
Police revealed yesterday that the daughter of the owner had been traced and the wallet returned to her.
They said: "We are pleased to report that the wallet has been returned to the family of the owner!
"The man the wallet belonged to is now deceased. However, following further enquiries his family were traced. The man's daughter revealed that the wallet had been lost during a holiday in Oban.
"The family are delighted with the return of the long lost wallet. Its return falls just ahead of the anniversary of the owner's passing on Friday, November 20th.
"Many thanks to everyone who commented and shared our post. Your help greatly assisted the investigation."
Delighted members of the public welcomed the news. One wrote: "How wonderful...just shows the power of the internet in a good way. Well done to whoever found it and best wishes to the gentleman’s family." Another said: "This is sad but wonderful for the family."
Related: Mystery of wallet prompts police plea to public
