One of Aberdeen’s most recognisable landmarks has been targeted by vandals.
The culprits daubed “Dorickman” on both sides of the plinth supporting the William Wallace statue at Union Terrace.
It is understood the statue was targeted on Monday night.
Last night, a community councillor condemned the perpetrators and said their actions “did nothing” to enhance the reputation of the Granite City.
Dustin MacDonald, chairman of Aberdeen City Centre Community Council, said: “This is a disgrace – any graffiti that is not authorised, and is not art work, is bad for the image of Aberdeen – particularly on this occasion, when it happened to such a prominent statue in the city.
“Graffiti is something this community council has discussed a lot in the past with the police.
“One of the biggest issues with graffiti is how often it goes unreported as well.
“I hope that the police manage to catch whoever did this.”
Aberdeen City Council has confirmed the graffiti will be cleaned from the statue later today.
A spokeswoman said: “The vandalism will be removed from the statue on Wednesday.”
Police said they were not investigating the incident as it has not been reported to them.
In August, the statue was the site of a special celebration to pay homage to the Scottish hero.
Hundreds of people gathered at the landmark to mark the 14th annual Wallace Day commemoration.