Police could be closer to catching the graffiti artist who sprayed “flat Earth” slogans across the Highlands.
The force confirmed last night that they are investigating a “positive line of inquiry” as they attempt to track down the culprit.
Graffiti claiming that the Earth is flat appeared throughout the Highland capital and at various points along the A9 Scrabster to Perth road this summer.
Inverness South councillor Duncan Macpherson raised concerns about the vandalism in the north and posted photographs on social media.
The slogan has been spray painted on the side of buildings and sign posts across Inverness, appearing in areas such as South Kessock, Howdens Garden Centre and Daviot Wood Picnic site.
The same graffiti, thought to be done in the same handwriting, has also appeared at Caley Thistle stadium in Inverness and the Aviemore ski road, spreading as far south as Livingston.
Mr Macpherson, an independent councillor, said he recently spoke to Chief Superintendent George MacDonald, the North Divisional Commander, who took a personal interest in the matter.
The councillor added: “Constable Cathie McGibbon mentioned it again at a community council meeting in Farr on Monday night during a talk about vandalism and graffiti.
“She said police are now following a positive line of inquiry.
“I think people were outraged and it’s not something we are used to seeing in the Highlands, and the good people of the Highlands started sharing information.
“It just shows you the power of social media.”
The councillor’s online posts surrounding the slogan has sparked a stream of sightings online by members of the public in locations as far away as Perth and Glasgow.
Police confirmed last night that they were following “a positive line of inquiry” but could not detail any information at this time.