Six road signs on Skye have been shot at by a vandal using a firearm or air rifle, police said.
Officers have launched an appeal for information after substantial damage was caused to the signs along the A87 road between Portree and Broadford.
A police spokesman said: “Six road signs on the A87 between Glen Varragill and Druim Nan Cleoch have been damaged as a result of being struck with an implement or potentially a air rifle/firearm. The signs will need replaced at a considerable cost.
“Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Local councillors spoke of their shock. Councillor Drew Millar of Portree said: “It is pretty shocking that this is happening in a place like Skye. I would hope that if anyone has any information they come forward to the police or Crimestoppers.
“If nobody is caught for this it will be the public purse that will have to pay for it.
“That sort of behaviour is not acceptable. It is quite worrying. If they are shooting signs, what else are they going to shoot?
“I really hope they catch the people involved. If anyone has any information please come forward. If they want to remain anonymous they can report it through Crimestoppers.”
Councillor Ian Renwick, also based in Portree, said: “It is a bit pathetic. Why go out with an air rifle or similar and vent your anger, for some reason, on a road sign? It is not the bravest thing to do. You would be as well writing a letter to the papers. It is stupid.
“I sincerely hope that someone comes forward with information to catch them. I really can’t be bothered with vandals. It is a cowardly thing to do.”
In 2013 in Caithness vandals took potshots at a bilingual English-Gaelic road sign just hours after it was installed.
The marker was left peppered with holes and dents after the attack in Wick.