Benches placed in memory of former members of a Perthshire bowling club have had to be locked away after they were stolen by hooligans.
The furniture was recovered from a shed at Stanley Primary School after being taken from the neighbouring club earlier this week.
Bowling club bosses said the crime was particularly hurtful at this time of year, when loved ones would be missing the people in whose memory the benches were installed.
The green is closed for the winter and the seats have been moved indoors to keep them safe until it reopens in April.
In a statement announcing the theft on Saturday, the club said members were “very disappointed” to find some of the outdoor furniture had gone missing, before being found in the shelter at the school surrounded by broken bottles.
It said: “Some of this furniture was donated to the club to remember family members who have passed away.
“This selfish act has caused upset at what is a difficult time of the year for some.”
One member said the items had been returned by the school caretaker and it was thought local youths were to blame.
He said: “It is disheartening that the youngsters in the village are so disrespectful.
“It has happened a couple of times over the summer.”
Another villager expressed his sadness, saying: “I think it’s bad that they would take the furniture from the club, especially if it’s there to remember people’s relatives.”
The concerns have also been echoed by local councillors for the area.
Scottish Conservative councillor for the Strathtay ward, Ian James condemned the perpetrators of the theft.
He said: “There is no excuse for doing that to be honest.
“Why someone would feel the need to this, I don’t know. There is no need for this. They were put there as a memorial. It’s disrespectful.”
He added that he hopes those responsible for the theft come forward to apologise to the families for their actions.
SNP Councillor for the same ward, Grant Laing described the incident as “unfortunate” but expressed his relief at the furniture’s return to the club.
He said: “It is unfortunate that it happened but I am glad that it has been put back.
“I’m glad it wasn’t damaged and it is now back in its rightful place.”
