HEARTLESS thieves have stolen a flag from outside an old folk’s home in Elgin.
The Union Jack was flying at Anderson’s as part of their Jubilee celebrations. However, about a week ago the perpetrators crept into the grounds, lowered the flag and ran off with it.
Residents are appealing for its return in time for the Olympic Games, which begins in two weeks.
Personnel from RAF Lossiemouth made it possible for the Union Jack to fly once more after repairing it earlier this year.
Madeline Baker (72), who stays at Anderson’s, said: "It’s disrespectful, it could be someone with a grudge.
"It’s a good thing to have a flag so we can show our support. The Jubilee is a special occasion and it’s an honour having the flag."
Ninety-year-old Charlie Angus added they had been at the brunt of "roguish behaviour" and hoped the culprits would return it.
Home manager Catherine Markey said the residents were extremely disappointed when they discovered the flag was gone.
"We just don’t know what happened to it," she said. "They did leave the rigging and the pole intact. But we just want it back."
An open letter signed by 16 of the care home’s residents, appealing for the return of the Union Flag, has been issued.
It says: "Although the flag is old, it was in very good condition as it had been lovingly looked after.
"At the end of the month we have the opening ceremony for our very own Olympics, which will run for a fortnight complete with competitions and a prize-giving ceremony.
"We will really miss our flag flying outside for this special occasion.
"We’re not interested in who took the flag and we won’t make any fuss whatsoever; it could be left on the doorstep and we’ll find it."
The flagpole was originally installed by members of 237 Field Squadron (Airfield Damage Repair Volunteers) in August, 1995.
