Protesters are furious after hunters confirmed they will ignore guidelines, aimed at controlling shooting at a Moray nature reserve.
An uneasy truce had been brokered in advance of the wildfowling season, which starts at Findhorn Bay next week.
But that has now been blown out of the water by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation announcing their intention to ignore the “confusing” rules.
Some local residents still intend to abide by the agreement and are anxious that any flouting of the settlement could lead to an outright ban.
Demonstrations have now been lined up by the Friends of Findhorn Bay Group to mark the last evening before the shooting begins.
Forres campaigner Claudia Matheson stated: “Something needs to be done about bringing in a by-law. It may be harder to enforce but it’s what’s needed.
“When I am walking at the bay, I see so many carcasses – that’s just what’s washed up, there will be even more that are unseen in the water.
“The guns make so much noise so we just want to get out to mark the last day of peace and quiet before it begins again.”
Campaigners also intend to protest outside the council chambers on September 20 when councillors are expected to discuss the fallout.
The agreement struck between the opposing sides saw restrictions placed on where and when guns could be used at the bay.
Martin Gauld, who launched the Findhorn Fowlers Community Group, fears that more stringent controls could now be introduced.
He added: “All our 140 members will stick to the agreement. This region relies a lot on the visiting gun and, if an outright ban is brought in, that will all be thrown away.
“Everybody shook hands after the meeting and were happy. We were going to have a barbecue to build bridges. It’s all gone to waste now.”
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead said: “Bearing in mind the work that went into reaching the agreement, it is frustrating to learn this arrangement won’t be respected, particularly when we are a matter of days away from the start of the new season and the status quo is not an option.”
Forres councillor Aaron McLean added: “Where we go from here will be considered next month, but it seems Basc are determined to push us down a road of a legislative scheme for Findhorn Bay.”
