Photo appeal as thieves target inspiring chapel visited by thousands
THE theft of religious plaques from an historic island chapel has prompted an appeal from police to the public for help.
Three wooden plaques have been taken from within the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, Orkney.
Constructed by resourceful Italian prisoners of war, the unique chapel, which is open to the public, attracts upwards of 90,000 people per year.
The stolen pieces form part of a fourteen-plaque set that depicted the journey of Christ to the cross and were in open display in the chapel.
Each plaque is made of mahogany and measures approximately six inches by eight inches in size with a cross on top.
There is an image of Christ carved on each and they are individually numbered by roman numerals.
The theft is thought to have occurred sometime between July 29 and August 12.
Police in Orkney now want to hear from anyone who may have taken digital photographs of the Chapel interior between those dates .
This They're hoping that will help narrow down the timeframe for when the theft occurred.
Images and contact details can be e mailed to; HighlandIslandMailKirkwall@scotland.pnn.police.uk
Anyone with information regarding who is responsible or the current wherabouts of the plaques can contact the police on 101. Alternatively, information may be passed confidentially to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Orkney’s Italian chapel has been described as one of the greatest symbols of hope and peace to emerge from World War II.
It inspires thousands of visitors from around the world every year and is regarded as a testament to the ability of the human spirit to overcome hardship, loneliness and adversity.
It has been described as one of the best-known and moving symbols of reconciliation in the British Isles
The basic Nissen hut was largely convertedout of scraps, including the brass stair rods from a half-sunken ship made into candlesticks, leftover cement used to create an altar and altar rail.
Ross-shire author Philip Paris has written movingly of the chapel in two well-received books.