Piper 'devastated' after kilt worn by uncle killed in Iraq is stolen

The heartbroken family of a journalist killed in the Iraq war are appealing for help after his kilt and sporran were stolen.

Richard Wild, 24, from St Boswells in the Borders, was shot in Baghdad while working as a freelance cameraman at the height of the conflict in 2003.

His Highland regalia was treasured by his older sister, Alison Wild, with her son, Alexander Curtis, more recently wearing it while playing bagpipes at events.

On 9 May, the morning after a function in Newcastle, Alexander's pipes were stolen along with a bag containing his late uncle's kilt and sporran.

Alison, who lives near Hawick, said: "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 for a few days when he was fatally shot in a Baghdad street near to the city's museum.

More than 500 mourners attended the 24-year-old's funeral service in Melrose.

His Kerr tartan kilt with matching sporran became a treasured keepsake for sister Alison.

When her son, Alexander, became old enough he began wearing the regalia for all of his piping duties, which have included ceremonial playing following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

He also took the bagpipes, kilt and sporran to Australia during a year's travelling.

Alexander said: "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."

Alexander had been piping at a students' ball in Newcastle and stayed over.

The following morning he met friends at a cafe on Osbourne Road in the Jesmond area of the city.

When he returned to his motorbike in the parking area, his bagpipes and his uncle's regalia had been stolen.

He added: "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."

Since the theft, widespread searches of the area have not provided any leads.

Family and friends are also monitoring online sales sites and made appeals for information on social media.

Alison, who is a lawyer, added: "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 has urged anyone with information to come forward.

Northumbria Police said it had received the report of the theft just after 13:00 on Saturday 9 May in the Jesmond area.

"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," said a spokesperson.

"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."