The arrival of a group of gypsy-travellers at a north-east beauty spot has been condemned as a disgrace by local residents and councillors.
The visitors arrived at Fraserburgh beach over the weekend after they were evicted by Aberdeenshire Council from a car park overlooking the Lido in Peterhead.
Outraged locals took to social media about the unauthorised encampment.
Some of the gypsy-travellers are operating under the business name P.D. Plant.
Local councillor Ian Tait said: “Personally I think it’s a disgrace what they’re doing.
“It’s absolutely and totally unacceptable and I’ve contacted the police about it.
“I’d like to see a bylaw come in to stop this sort of thing ever happening again in any community in Aberdeenshire.
“It’s absolutely disgraceful for those people to park their caravans across the parking bays depriving local people and visitors the opportunity to park in that high amenity area.
“As far as I’m concerned, I will be asking the council’s legal officers whether it’s possible to have a bylaw put in place. I’m speechless quite honestly and it can’t happen again.”
His thoughts were echoed by councillor Charles Buchan who said: “It’s very, very disappointing.
“The beach is a public space and I hope they can be moved on as soon as possible so people can enjoy the amenities of Fraserburgh’s beautiful beach without inconvenience.
“I have spoken with council officers and they are monitoring the situation.
“Funnily enough, on Thursday the full council are discussing the provision of new special sites for travellers.”
A spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council said the authority’s liaison officer had visited the site yesterday, while legal officials are understood to be drawing up eviction papers.
A police spokesman added: “We are aware of the site but there have been no issues so far.”
The group were approached by the Press and Journal while in Peterhead but declined to comment.
On Thursday, Aberdeenshire councillors are due to discuss proposals to create up to five £100,000 traveller sites across the region.
The locations have not yet been identified but would have access to clean water and toilet facilities, allowing travellers to stay for up to a month at a time.