SHOCK and disappointment has been expressed after the theft of charity tins with donations for Poppyscotland.

Two containers were stolen from Dunfermline Abbey on Monday while another was also taken from Marini’s chip shop on Aberdour Road.

A post on the Abbey Church of Dunfermline’s Facebook page said it was with “a little sadness” to report that the money was taken while the church was open for two hours.

“The tins had three weeks’ worth of collection in them,” it stated. “Our hope is that those who took them were in real need of the money at this time.

“We would, however, not want that happening to detract from what has been a poignant and memorable marking of the centenary of the Armistice in the Abbey Church this past week.

“It has been good to see so many people take the time to come and find a place within the building as they brought their own memories of loved ones lost to war, or who came home scarred by war.”

Poppyscotland volunteer area organiser for Scotland, Christine Evans, also expressed sadness at the thefts.

“It is so disappointing when something like this happens,” she said. “The Abbey had put in so much effort and I feel gutted for them. It is so sad that someone feels they can walk in and walk out with them.”

Dunfermline Central councillor Garry Haldane said he was disappointed that someone could be “so low to stoop to this”.

He added: “We have all contributed to the very good work that Poppy Scotland do for our veterans and their families, so for someone to steal collection tins is abhorrent.

“I only hope the person/persons responsible for this thoughtless act are caught.”

After requests by members, Dunfermline Abbey has already set up a fundraising page which collected £140 within 24 hours for Poppyscotland.

Anyone wanting to donate can do so at https://www.gofundme.com/replacing-the-poppy-tin-collection?fbclid=IwAR0-AE2okKCBfh0piZoIyhO-kZTzwjACwTsPB7fzWxnCae4lrg8reEacKnI.