Devastated primary school children have been dealt a blow by the theft of all their gala equipment just three weeks before the big event.
A trailer containing a gazebo, groundsheets and sports equipment was stolen from a Dunfermline lock-up sometime in the last week.
It was due to be used by pupils at Commercial Primary at the town’s Children’s Gala on June 24 and organisers are worried they will not be able to replace it in time.
The school had carried out years of fundraising to buy the items, including several footballs and tennis racquets, and they fear they will have to start from scratch to recoup everything they have lost.
Gillian Rodaks, who is in charge of co-ordinating Commercial’s gala entry, said the theft was a huge blow.
“It’s hundreds and hundreds of pounds worth,” she said.
“The gala is only three weeks away and all our stuff that we’ve bought over several years is gone.”
She added: “It’s ridiculous. The stuff wouldn’t be any good to anybody because I wrote Commercial Primary School all over everything.
“They’ve probably pinched it for the other stuff or for the trailer itself.”
Gillian, whose son Tyler is a primary four pupil at the school, is the sole organiser there for the gala.
“A lot of schools have a committee but it’s just me at Commercial and now I’m stressed out.”
Since the theft became public on a Facebook post, Gillian has been offered donations by some local people.
“I’m really grateful for the offers because this is a mammoth task,” she said.
Founded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the annual gala involves all the schools in the Dunfermline area.
Led by a pipe band, children parade down the High Street to Pittencrieff Park for a picnic and games.
It draws more people to Dunfermline than any other event.
