Mean thefts mar the magic of the Fairy Glen
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INTRICATELY carved fairies — and their homes — are disappearing from a magical glen on the Black Isle.
The mystery centres on the Fairy Glen at Rosemarkie after ornaments, including a pink boot fairy house and another in the shape of a toadstool, were reported missing.
The tranquil setting was created by eight-year-old Georgie Mackay on a stretch of land owned by her grandfather, Douglas Ian Mackay QC, who owns a farm in the area.
The Avoch Primary School pupil’s mother Julie Mackay reported the "nasty" burglary on a community Facebook page prompting a run of comments – including some which suggested the culprits may have an axe to grind.
One said: "I am not defending this at all but it occurs to me that there could be an alternative motive than theft. I think it is not beyond someone to think that fairy houses are spoiling an unspoiled natural environment so have taken it upon themselves to tidy up."
That has been challenged by another group member: "If they were taking it upon themselves to ‘tidy up’, why would they take the new fairy houses and not the older broken ones?"
The bulk of comments expressed disgust and dismay and left warm words of support. "That is terrible, how could anyone be so mean?" asked one follower.
A dismayed tourist said: "In some ways it’s a stark reminder that special holiday destinations are still other people’s day-to-day place to live and work with many of the same joys and problems as less special areas."
A local resident said: "I have lived here for 37 years and the Fairy Glen has always been a magical place for children so if someone wants to put up fairy ornaments please leave them alone. Kids love the thought that there are fairy houses there – it brings to them a wee bit of imagination and escapism."
Mrs Mackay (47), of High Street, Rosemarkie, has set up a GoFundMePage.
She said: "It’s very sad for the children to learn that there are such nasty people around. To date, we’ve spent around £500 in total on houses, doors and glue for the Fairy village.
"It was just beginning to look great and then someone helped themselves to four or five of the newest additions. Georgie was buying the fairy houses with her dish-washing money. They cost between £30 and £40 each.
"They’re not for people to just come and help themselves. It’s something for all the kids in the village."
Philip Eley, manager of the Rosemarkie Beach Cafe, has agreed to put a collection box at his till and has storage if anyone wants to drop off fairy houses.
Mackreations, which has a jewellery stall in the Eastgate shopping Centre, and Rosemarkie postie Sheila MacDonald and colleague Wilma have also donated replacement fairy houses.
