Free money delivered by 'angel'

'Do you believe in angels?' was written on all envelopes

An anonymous "angel" is said to have been responsible for posting envelopes filled with money through letterboxes in Edinburgh.

The mysterious deliveries containing either £20, £10 or £5 notes were made to all householders in Duddingston Village last weekend.

The question "Do you believe in Angels?" was written on the envelopes.

The unknown sender has now been dubbed the Angel of Duddingston by locals who received up to £70.

Dr Jim Jack, the minister at Duddingston Kirk, was among those who received the special delivery on Sunday.

I think this person has done a great service to Duddingston for making us realise there are good actions in our world today Dr Jim Jack Local minister

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, he said: "There was no letter, no indication where it had come from.

"I got a flurry of phone calls from neighbours with a theological interest in angels, asking if I had received an envelope.

"There were quite a number of reactions. One of my neighbours thought she was being stalked by an individual. Another said 'get the police', and somebody else said it must be counterfeit money.

"Somebody even thought it was a stunt by the bank, targeting homeowners.

"I think there is a lesson in all of this - here was a wonderful gesture, and we could only view it with scepticism and with doubt."

'Wonderful gesture'

The minister added: "I think this person has done a great service to Duddingston for making us realise there are good actions in our world today.

"As far as I know, the whole village got an envelope.

"There were varying amounts of money - somebody received £70, I received £20."

The minister said he was donating his £20 to Christian Aid.

No complaints

He called it "a wonderful gesture" in a world accustomed only to bad news.

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Police said they were aware of the situation but had received no formal complaints about the letters.

She said: "This is certainly very unusual. But if someone wants to share their wealth in this way, it is very nice.

"It doesn't seem to be anything sinister."