Union Jack stolen from Scottish island at start of Jubilee holiday

Community officers described the theft as 'unnecessary and disrespectful' after the flag was removed on Thursday morning.

Union Jack flag stolen from Scottish island of Barra at start of Platinum Jubilee holiday iStock

A union jack flag has been stolen from a museum on a Scottish island at the start of the Jubilee bank holiday.

Police on Barra say they plan to “step up patrols” following the theft from the flagpole outside the Heritage Centre in Castlebay on Thursday morning.

Community teams branded the incident “unnecessary and disrespectful” and urged the culprits to return the item safely.

It comes as some mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with celebrations taking place in locations across the UK.

A Police Scotland statement added: “Between the hours of 9.30am and 10.25am on June 2, a Union Jack flag has been removed without permission from a flag pole at the Heritage Centre in Castlebay.

“This act was unnecessary and disrespectful and an enquiry is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“We would ask the local community that if they know any information to please contact your local community team at Castlebay Police Station or phone 101 quoting incident number 4279 of June 2.

“Local patrols will be increased around the area to deter any further incidents.”

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