Pressure is mounting on a landowner who has ordered a fleet of historic fishing boats to permanently leave an Aberdeen bay.
Nearly 5,000 have now signed an online petition to the Scottish Parliament asking for the 10 or so vessels in Cove harbour to be allowed to stay in the spot they have fished for centuries.
Landowner and consultant plastic surgeon Pralhad Kolhe first ordered the boats to leave last year, and in August sent the fishermen another eviction notice.
The internet appeal was launched after the boat owners complained they had been given no consultation by Mr Kolhe except letters through his lawyers.
They also argued that it could bring 400 years of fishing at Cove to an end.
The ultimatum this summer was issued via Mr Kolhe’s solicitors, Stronachs, stating: “If these fishing vessels, equipment and winch huts are not removed within 14 days of this date (August 26, 2015) our client will commence court proceedings against your clients to enable him to obtain vacant possession of his land.”
Jim Adam, chairman of Cove Fishermen’s Association, said support was mounting for campaign and he had received messages of solidarity from across the country.
The 65-year-old said: “Apart from these letters we never have any contact with Mr Kolhe even with our legal team in touch.
“Getting 5,000 signatures so quickly is great but it’s not really surprising given what everyone says when they come down to the harbour.
“After the press attention, I’ve been getting letters from people all over the country telling us to keep up the fight and not give up.
“The emotion shown by these people has to be praised. They want to stop this man destroying 400 years of history in Aberdeen.
“We aren’t going anywhere soon.”
Councillor Neil Cooney, who represents Kincorth, Nigg and Cove, said he hoped a preservation could be obtained to preserve the “great heritage” of the harbour.
He said: “I support the petitioners in what they’re trying to do.
“It would be very sad to see this industry, which used to employ many people kicked out of Cove.
“It’s part of our heritage and we shouldn’t let it die.”
Mr Kolhe could not be reached for comment yesterday.