Official Church of Scotland ring stolen in break-in

Published on Friday 24 December 2010 14:14

The official ring belonging to the head of the Church of Scotland was stolen in a break-in at his home.

Moderator of the General Assembly, Right Reverend John Christie, woke on Christmas Eve to find the front door of his Helensburgh home open and the ceremonial ring gone.

Thieves also stole Christmas gifts and other belongings including a wallet.

The gold ring has an amethyst seal with the words nec tamen consumebatur.

Strathclyde Police appealed for information.

Detective Inspector Ross McCallum said: "Thefts from your home are difficult to deal with any time of year, but especially at Christmas.

"As well as a wallet and Christmas presents for friends and family being taken, the Church of Scotland Moderatorial ring was also stolen.

"While it has a monetary value, it is, more importantly, of significant historical importance to the Church.

"I am appealing to anyone who may be offered the ring for sale or who has any information about the theft to contact Dumbarton police office."