Ten-year-old Eve Mcilquham has received an early Christmas present from Glasgow Airport after being reunited with her lost teddy after pictures and videos of the toy were broadcast and published around the world.
Basil was one of 21 cuddly toys reported missing at Glasgow Airport in September. To try to find the owners, the airport produced a video and picture gallery of the lost bears, reaching as far afield as Japan, Germany, Singapore, Jamaica, Australia and Russia.
Eve, from Hamilton, was distraught when she lost her chocolate Labrador toy when on a trip with her mum, Lorraine, to visit her uncle in Canada.
Lorraine said: “When we realised we’d lost Basil, Eve was really upset. She got him from a friend at around the same time we get (got) our chocolate lab puppy, Archie. Eve takes Basil on holiday with her so she doesn’t miss Archie as much, so he was a big loss.
“I saw the video of the all the toys on the carousel online and recognised Basil. I showed Eve the video without telling her he was in it and she spotted him straight away. She was so excited and couldn’t wait to get him back.”
Eve said: “I’m so happy I’ve got Basil back! I missed him loads. I hope the other kids who have lost their teddies get them back too.”
In September, Glasgow Airport introduced its first-of-a-kind ‘Take Care of my Bear’ tags to be given out to any child travelling from the airport with a soft toy. The tags are available at check-in and can be marked with the owner’s details.
A spokesman for Glasgow Airport said: “I’m delighted that Eve and Basil have been reunited and that they can spend Christmas together.
“If you and your furry friend are travelling through the airport this festive season, don’t forget to pick up your teddy tag at one of our check-in desks.”
If your family has lost a cuddly toy or anything else at Glasgow Airport, please contact Luggage Point based in the main terminal. Luggage point handles lost and found services on behalf of Glasgow Airport.