Baby Holly re-united with mother

The baby has been nicknamed Holly

The mother of baby Holly has been re-united with her daughter.

Northern Constabulary had launched an operation to find the mother after the newborn girl was abandoned on a doorstep on Harris in the Western Isles.

The infant, thought to be just five days old, was taken to hospital after being left inside a sports bag outside a doctor's home in Tarbert.

The important thing is that they are back together and their health and welfare is paramount

Chief Inspector Angus MacLeod

Police said the child, who was found by doctor's wife Sandra Finlayson wrapped in a green sports top, white T-shirt and socks, was now in a comfortable condition.

The baby, who has been nicknamed Holly, may have been there for some hours before being discovered.

Chief Inspector Angus MacLeod of Northern Constabulary said: "The mother has been found safe and in good health.

"At the moment she and the baby are being reunited by social service staff from Western Isles Council.

"In order to protect the privacy of the mother and child it would not be appropriate to reveal their identities.

"The important thing is that they are back together and their health and welfare is paramount."

A nurse looks after Holly at Western Isles Hospital

Mrs Finlayson, 45, a trained midwife, said she was amazed to find the tot on her doorstep inside the family's porch.

She said: "I thought it was one of the kids' pets in a bag but when I saw it move I got a bit of a shock because I realised it was a baby in there.

"I couldn't believe my eyes. Nothing like this has ever happened in the Western Isles before, as far as I'm aware.

"But the baby was in good condition and I took her inside to keep her warm and that caused a quite stir among my four children - I think they were as shocked as me.

"I called her Holly because there was a holly wreath hanging above the front door which my daughter had placed there the night before."