A north-east MSP has called for the police to be given more powers to prevent travellers from establishing illegal encampments throughout Aberdeenshire.
Earlier this month, a group of travellers arrived in the car park of the Old Mill Inn in Maryculter, prior to moving into fields owned by the Deeside Holiday Park, and eventually along South Deeside Road to a housing development in Blairs.
Conservative politician, Ross Thomson, who visited the owners of the holiday park last weekend, said police were powerless to assist the managers of the business in clearing their land.
Mr Thomson added: “A group of travellers broke through a padlocked gate, into a private field used by visitors who want to stay in tents.
“A number of vehicles had already got through, when one of the site managers tried to prevent any more coming on to their private land.
“However, even with him leaning over the travellers’ bonnet, they continued to make their way into the park.
“The police were contacted and arrived, but all they could do was literally just stand there.
“The officers told the owners there was absolutely nothing they could do because of current Scottish Government legislation.
“The owners and visitors were naturally quite upset – the travellers had no business being there, they made a mess, started a bonfire, and behaved in an intimidating and aggressive manner.
“I will be writing to the new Lord Advocate seeking to review the current legislation, because the situation is clearly unsustainable.”