Family Appeals for Return of Stolen Kilt and Sporran
The family of Richard Wild, a journalist who was killed during the Iraq war, have issued an appeal after his kilt and sporran were stolen. Richard Wild, aged 24, from St Boswells in the Borders, was fatally shot in Baghdad in 2003 while working as a freelance cameraman amid the conflict.
His Highland regalia held great sentimental value for his older sister, Alison Wild. More recently, Alison's son, Alexander Curtis, has worn the kilt and sporran while playing the bagpipes at various events.
On 9 May, the morning following a function in Newcastle, Alexander's bagpipes were stolen along with a bag containing his late uncle's kilt and sporran.
Emotional Impact of the Theft
Alison, who resides near Hawick, expressed the family's distress over the loss.
"My brother had such a tragic death, the meaning these things had for us is more than I have words for - we just want them back."
Richard Wild had only been in Iraq a few days when he was shot in a Baghdad street near the city’s museum. His funeral in Melrose was attended by over 500 mourners.
His Kerr tartan kilt and matching sporran became cherished keepsakes for Alison. When her son Alexander was old enough, he began wearing the regalia for his piping duties, including ceremonial performances following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
Alexander also took the bagpipes, kilt, and sporran with him during a year of travel in Australia.
"I have been wearing my uncle's kilt and sporran since I was 13 years old - it was such an honour and responsibility. Having them with me when playing my pipes has meant the world. It just feels like a whole part of my life has been taken away with this theft."
Theft Details
Alexander had been playing the bagpipes at a students' ball in Newcastle and stayed overnight. The following morning, he met friends at a café on Osbourne Road in the Jesmond area of the city.
Upon returning to his motorbike parked nearby, he discovered that his bagpipes and his uncle's regalia had been stolen.
"When I went in to the cafe I regrettably left everything with the bike in the garage area behind the cafe. I was absolutely devastated when I came out to find them gone."
Despite extensive searches of the area, no leads have emerged. Family and friends are monitoring online sales platforms and have made appeals for information via social media.
Family's Plea and Police Investigation
Alison, a lawyer by profession, emphasized the significance of the items.
"The kilt and sporran were the last link I had to my brother. They were also such a unique part of Alexander's identity - he has worn his uncle's kilt when winning awards and playing his bagpipes at important events. We don't want anyone prosecuted or anything like that - we just want our things back."
She urged anyone with information to come forward.
Northumbria Police confirmed they received the theft report shortly after 13:00 on Saturday 9 May in Jesmond.
A spokesperson said: "It was reported that a set of bagpipes and clothing items had been stolen from a bag on a motorbike which was parked in the car park of a premises on Osborne Road. Inquiries into the report are ongoing, including a review of available CCTV in the area. Anyone with information should send us a direct message on social media or use the live chat and report forms on our website."
