Police are hunting vandals who destroyed a parking metre at an Aberdeenshire beauty spot.
The machine was completely wrecked in the attack, which led to the metre being removed from the Back of Bennachie car park.
It is understood the incident took place overnight on Friday, October 17.
Last night, Forest Enterprise Scotland warned that visitors’ experience at the attraction could worsen as a result of the money required to repair the machine.
Recreation Forester Dan Cradle said he hoped witnesses would come forward.
He said: “This sort of anti-social behaviour is never acceptable at any time but this was a really short-sighted and stupid thing to do.
“The couple of pounds that go into the machine for every car that parks up are intended for supporting the work we do in maintaining and developing visitor facilities.
“We did have some significant plans to replace a bridge, repair the hill path and build a couple of new paths, but without the income from parking – and the expense of having to replace the machine – these plans could all now be affected.”
He added: “The main disappointment is that this vandalism could affect the Bennachie visitor experience.
“We would really appreciate the public’s help in keeping our plans on track.”
Meanwhile, the group has also advised members of the public to be aware while the felling of Dunnottar Wood in Stonehaven takes place.
Work will begin on November 2 and is expected to last eight weeks.
Recreation and Tourism Ranger, Neil Taylor, said: “The woods will stay open to the public throughout the works but there will be short closures of paths whilst trees are felled in these areas.
“It’s vitally important that the public stay out of closed areas and follow directions given on signs and from staff for their own safety.”