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Missing sculpture returned with an apology and £100 charity donation

Centred Scotland A sculpture of a black bird is perched on a mirrored table. It is apparent it is made of scrap metal with bolt holes visible. The bird is bent over looking down at the ground. Centred Scotland
The scrap metal sculpture of a bird disappeared from an art exhibition in Inverness

A sculpture which disappeared from an art exhibition in a suspected theft has been returned with an apology and £100 donation to a charity.

Police were called after the scrap metal bird made by artist Helen Denerley vanished from Eden Court Theatre in Inverness last month.

It was due to be sold following the exhibition for the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival to help raise money for Centred.

The mental health charity said the bird had "found its way home" along with a note of apology and a "generous donation".

The sculpture has an estimated value of £850.

Alana Kotrys, marketing and fundraising executive for Centred, said: "When we first realised the bird was missing, we said that we didn't know the full story and wanted to approach the situation with kindness and understanding.

"We're really pleased that things have ended this way."

She added: "Thank you to whoever returned the bird and made the donation.

"Your kindness means a lot, and it's a lovely reminder that there's always room for understanding and a positive way forward."

Richard West Shiny scrap metal giraffe sculptures are standing tall next to a building with large glass panels. Children and passers-by are gathered aroundRichard West
Artist Helen Denerley created Edinburgh's metal giraffe sculptures

Denerley, who is best known for her large metal giraffes sculptures on Leith Walk in Edinburgh, was also pleased by the outcome of the appeal for the return of the missing piece.

She said: "Everyone I have told about the bird's return has had such a positive reaction.

"Thank you to the person who returned it."