A JOINER has had his van and lifetime collection of tools stolen after already being out of work for months due to the pandemic.

Colin MacDonald, who is originally from Tiree, but now living in Clydebank, has been a joiner for more than 30 years.

Last month, he had his work van that contained £2000 worth of tools stolen from outside his home – nothing has been ­recovered.

A GoFundMe page has since been set up by 38-year-old Daniel Gillespie, Colin’s friend.

Daniel said: “When I grew up in Tiree as a boy he was working for my dad so I’ve known him for a long time.

“We both moved both to Glasgow years ago but when I found out what happened I knew I had to help.

“I know how supportive the Tiree community is so I thought it would be good to set up the page because I knew everyone would rally round.

“There has been lots of donations, both from back home and here.”

So far, £1575 has been donated so Colin can purchase a new set of tools.

Described by Daniel as “a proud Tirisdeach and a great supporter of the Tiree Association”, Colin, who is in his 50s, has undertaken work for so many people on the island and in and around Glasgow.

Daniel, from Bishopbriggs, added: “Anyone who is self-employed has already missed a big chunk of work throughout this year.

“The last thing Colin needs is extra costs of buying tools or not being able to take on jobs because he doesn’t have the right equipment.

“We are aiming to get him back working and not having to worry about any missing items or having to borrow things.

“His stuff has not been ­recovered and I don’t think it will be seen again.

“It was a lifetime collection of tools as well as tools he had been given over the past 30 odd years – that’s hard to ­replace.”

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