An Aberdeenshire head teacher has taken an unusual step to prevent youths misbehaving during the summer holidays by joining police officers on patrols.
Louise Moir, the head of Mackie Academy in Stonehaven, toured the town with officers to see how the police tackle troublesome youngsters.
The patrol scheme, which is now in its second year, has been designed to improve ties between local schools and the force.
Ms Moir joined the patrol on Saturday night, where she learned how officers specifically target antisocial behaviour like underage drinking.
During the evening, two boys were found in possession of cannabis and a 13-year-old girl was taken back to her family after she was found drunk.
Ms Moir said: “I am pleased Mackie Academy joined forces with our local police team to work in partnership in keeping Stonehaven safe.
“I am hopeful that working together in this way will encourage Mackie Academy pupils to be excellent ambassadors for the school, and Stonehaven.
“I would like to thank the police officers who gave me a valuable insight into their day-to-day work when I accompanied them on patrol.”
Chris Smith, a local sergeant, added: “Although Stonehaven has very low levels of anti-social behaviour issues involving young people, we want to ensure this trend continues.
“The local policing team at Stonehaven along with our partners at Mackie Academy are committed to ensuring that young people enjoy their holidays safely, and without disrupting local residents.
“Patrols will continue over the summer holidays as part of our longer-term strategy aimed at reducing youth disorder, anti-social behaviour and other acts of criminality, and I continue to urge residents to report issues to the police.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to ask parents and guardians to ensure they know where young people are going and what they are up to.
“By working together, we can ensure all Stonehaven remains a very welcoming place to live.”