1,200-year-old hand bell stolen from church

An ancient Celtic handbell has been stolen from a church in Perthshire.

Police said the 7th century, quadrangular iron bell, coated with bronze was stolen from the Fortingall Church near to Aberfeldy, sometime between Sunday 3 September and Friday 8 September 2017.

The distinctive artefact has been in the possession of the Fortingall and Glenlyon Church for about 1200 years and has significant sentimental value.

The Bell was encased behind a locked metal cage within a niche purposely built into the wall of the church.

HIGHLANDS