Amethyst from stolen Kirk ring turns up in the post

A CHURCH of Scotland minister who had a ceremonial golden ring stolen from his home has described his shock after its amethyst stone was posted back to him.

The Very Rev John Christie was devastated when thieves broke into his home on Christmas Eve and stole his moderator’s ring, of which there are only two in existence.

He had abandoned all hope of ever seeing the piece again – but was stunned when the ring’s large purple amethyst stone was posted back to him in a blank envelope.

The band of the ring, engraved with the words “Church of Scotland”, is still missing, but now jewellers are working on remounting the stone on a replica band.

Mr Christie, 64, who lives in Helensburgh, said: “It was very upsetting when the ring was taken and I was naturally very pleased when the stone, which gives the ring its character, was returned.

“I am very happy because the ring has a huge amount of value to the Church. I don’t know why it has been posted back, but it is fantastic that it has.”

Mr Christie, former moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, was woken by raiders who broke into his home at 3:30am.

He left his wife Annette in their bedroom and rushed downstairs but found the thieves had bolted, taking with them the ring and a number of presents.