THIEVES stole three bottles of whisky which were set to be auctioned off for charity when they broke into Musselburgh Rugby Club last night.
Police are now appealing for information following the break-in at the club, on Stoneyhill Farm Road.
The club are now faced with paying to repair the damage to the premises caused by the culprits.
The bar manager of the club was alerted at about 2am that the premises had been broken into.
After trying various doors to the building without success, the vandals gained access by smashing a window in the main bar with a brick.
Blair Stewart, vice-president at the club, said: “This is not the first time this has happened – we’ve been broken into a couple of times in the last year or so.
“There are no valuables left in the club, there’s no money – everything else is under lock and key.”
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Three signed bottles of whisky were stolen which the club planned to auction off to raise money for charity.
Mr Stewart said: “The bottles are not of significant value other than to people who are interested in rugby and the individuals who signed the bottles.
“They’re somewhat rare but they’re not too valuable – but they would have raised several hundreds of pounds.
“The charities who were going to benefit from the money now won’t have that – it’s unfortunate.”
The club are asking the public to look out for the signed whisky bottles in case the thieves attempt to sell them.
Blair added: “The club is well-protected – CCTV, alarm, everything under lock and key, nothing of value.
“The police were on site very quickly, within a few minutes.
“We’re now left with the expense and inconvenience of having to clean up the mess and get emergency joiners out to board up the windows and replace the glass.
“It’s a lot of damage for not a lot of reward for the individuals who have done this.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 2.15am on Friday, August 9, we received a report of a break-in at Stoneyhill Farm Road, Musselburgh.
“Enquiries are ongoing.
"Anyone who knows who was responsible should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0278 of Friday, August 9, 2024."
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