Owl and gull stolen from rescue centre

Police are on the look-out for the people who stole a European Herring Gull and Eurasian Eagle-Owl from Blue Highlands Bird of Prey Rescue Centre in Brora, Highland.

The gull had a broken wing and was nicknamed Buster, while the owl was a pet named Maximus. On Wednesday, Police Scotland has issued an appeal for information about the theft which is believed to have occurred between 9.30 pm on Monday and 7.30 am Tuesday 10 March.

A European Herring Gull with a broken wing was one of two bird stolen from Blue Highlands Bird of Prey Rescue Centre (Joe Seymour).

The centre has also launched a crowdfunding page in a bid to raise money to up security on the premises – raising £654 in less than 24 hours. A post on the GoFundMe page reads: "Maximus, our male Eurasian Eagle Owl, has been stolen. Buster, a juvenile Herring Gull who was recovering from a broken wing, in an adjacent pen is gone too.

"Two birds stolen. We urgently need your help. Please will you support our enhanced security measures fundraiser even with just a pound or two, so that we can fully protect our birds and their futures."

Thankfully, both birds have since been found. The owl was discovered on Wednesday 11 March, as was the gull, though both were found at different locations.The centre thanked police and the public for their response to the social media appeal for help in tracing the duo.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "Police in Sutherland are appealing for information following the theft from a property in Brora, Sutherland. Anyone with information can contact police."