200-year-old bibles stolen from church are returned

A pair of 200-year-old bibles which were stolen from a church have been found.

The bibles were stolen from Abercorn Church. Picture: Michael Gillen

The historic items were taken during a break-in at Abercorn Church near South Queensferry between midday on Sunday, July 17, and 2pm on Saturday, July 23.

The religious texts are thought to be up to 200 years old and were lent to the church by the Hopetoun family, who own the Hopetoun House stately home and 6,500 acre estate in West Lothian.

The bibles were returned to their owners on August 20 between 10.30am and 12.05pm, however the person or people responsible for the theft are still to be established.

Detective Constable Debbie Totter, said: “While it is a positive development that the bibles have been returned intact, it is important to remember that this was a high-value theft and we are continuing to treat it in this manner.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101. or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.