Police and environmental officers have launched a probe into waste dumping and fire-raising at a scenic Aberdeenshire spot.
The force along with Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) carried out a joint visit to a site in the Hill of Menie area of Balmedie following reports.
An investigation has been launched and inquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible.
Sergeant Scott Mackay said: “Illegal dumping is a danger to life and health, can devastate the local environment and disrupts the lives of residents and rural communities.
“I also can’t stress enough the dangers and potential consequences of setting fire to dumped waste – you don’t know how the fire will take hold and you put the land and members of the public at risk.
“I ask the public to be alert and speak up if they suspect or know someone involved in disposing waste illegally.
“It won’t be tolerated and we are committed to working with partners like SEPA to tackle the issue.
“Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Police on 101.”
Sergeant Mackay is also encouraging people living and working in rural communities to sign up to Rural Watch Scotland, an initiative to bring local people together to address crime and other community safety issues.
He added: “Ultimately it allows communities to effectively work together with local groups and partners to address issues.
“Your problem becomes a shared problem and it allows us all to work together to make communities safer.”