The management and staff of Stornoway’s Toyworld store have spoken of both shock and gratitude after a robbery at the store on Monday (22 May).

Enquiries are continuing into the incident, which Police Scotland said happened around 9.30am on Monday, when a man entered the shop and threatened staff with a weapon before making off with a sum of cash.

No one was injured and officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch.

Posting on social media yesterday (Wednesday), the management and staff of Toyworld said they wanted to thank customers and other business owners, who had come to the shop to check on their welfare.

They said: “It has been a very traumatic time for us and indeed for the town as a whole. We are shocked to the core but we won’t let it get in the way of our lives, personal or work life in particular.

“We will be here as usual to welcome and serve you all, it will be business as usual.

“Community spirit is clearly alive and thriving on the island, much more so than the bubbles of unrest that spark up now and again. Your kindness is very much appreciated by us all. Thank you.”

In an earlier police appeal, detective inspector Andy Bilton said: “I want to reassure the public that this appears to have been an isolated incident. Officers will be carrying out regular patrols of the area and anyone with concerns should contact us.”

The perpetrator is described as approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, between 20 and 30 years of age, slim build, wearing a thin navy waterproof jacket, black beanie hat, dark tracksuit bottoms with a black snood over his face.

Det Insp Bilton said: “I’m appealing for anyone who saw this male in and around Perceval Road that morning or has any information about what happened to get in touch.

“Similarly, I would ask any drivers with dash cam footage of the Macaulay Road area between 8.45am and 9.45am to bring it to our attention.”

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 0785 of 22 May, 2023. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.