A THIEF who stole a priceless panel of the Scottish Diaspora Tapestry returned it to police with a letter of apology.

Police Scotland confirmed they had received the missing panel in the post on Wednesday.

The panel was taken from an exhibition of the tapestry in St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh over a fortnight ago.

The unique tapestry, which was designed by Port Seton artist Andrew Crummy and tells the story of Scots across the globe, was created by more than 1,000 stitchers in 34 countries.

It is due to return to East Lothian next week for the 3 Harbours Arts Festival.

Arran Johnston, director of Scottish Battlefields Trust, said: β€œI am very happy to say that I had a phone call from the police this morning confirming that the stolen panel had been recovered.

β€œIt was sent to the police by post, along with a letter from the thief apologising.”

It is understood the panel and packaging are currently being examined by police and there may be a delay in returning the panel in time for the festival.