Fly-tippers who left piles of rubbish at a north-east beauty spot have been slated by the public and council officials.
A woman was visiting White Cow Woods near Mintlaw when she discovered a heap of fully packed black bags over the weekend.
The site is popular with dog walkers and the mess was left at the area’s car park.
Some of the bags had burst open and the contents, consisting of dog food cans, bottles and straw shavings, were on display.
The woman, who requested anonymity, said the scene left her feeling “appalled” and she criticised those who decided to use the area as a dumping ground.
She added: “It is a wee local place where people go to walk their dogs or walk with their children.
“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I am appalled.
“It was actually like a smaller tipper load or it has come out of a horse box or something.
“They have gone to the hassle of loading some sort of transport and, instead of going to the skip, they have dumped it out there which I can’t really understand.
“There would be at least 30 bags and there are all pretty well packed. A lot of them contain horse muck and shavings which is odd.
“It is a great place to walk as it is nice and quiet. It is just a shame to see it spoiled like that.”
Mintlaw councillor Jim Ingram said those behind it could be traced if they had discarded personal details among the dozens of liners.
He said it looked to him as though a vehicle was used to dump the rubbish.
Mr Ingram added: “They should go through and see if they can find a name and address on it and hold them responsible.
“I was expecting to see one or two little bags, but this is a small lorry load or tipper load of rubbish there.
“It almost looks like a commercial operation. You want this nipped in the bud before it gets out of hand.”
It is understood the incident has not been reported to Aberdeenshire Council.