By Richard Burdge

A PERTHSHIRE hotel worker was left shaken yesterday after being threatened by a masked, knife-wielding robber who then escaped with his accomplice—and a large amount of cash.

The community of Pitlochry was also shocked by the armed robbery at the well-known establishment.

At around 1am two masked men entered Fishers Hotel in Atholl Road and approached two members of staff.

One of the men, who had a knife, threatened a staff member before the pair made off into Atholl Road with what police have described as “a substantial sum of money.”

As news spread about the reason for the police activity at the hotel there was an air of disbelief that Pitlochry had been the scene of an armed robbery.

“It comes as a bit of a shock in a quiet place like Pitlochry,” said one local man.

Police are appealing for support from members of the public in tracing the two men responsible for the incident.

They are asking that anyone present in the area at the time who may have seen these men acting suspiciously—or a vehicle which might have been used—or who has any information regarding the crime should contact them on 0845 600 5705 or speak to any police officer.

Pitlochry has been busy over the New Year period with many people heading there to celebrate and stay in local hotels.

The Victorian Fishers enjoys a central location and is one of Perthshire’s best-known hotels.

It has large gardens to the rear and is popular with local people and the business community—the local Rotary Club meets there—as well as the many visitors to the town.