Fly-tippers have caused outrage by dumping a pile of almost 200 tyres at a rural Moray spot.
The unsightly stack has been disposed of onto private ground off a country track near Burghead.
Locals have blasted the tyres for causing an “eyesore”, and have launched efforts to track down those responsible so they can be reported to the police.
One resident, who did not wish to be named, said he was determined to unmask the culprit.
He added: “With an amount like that, this has to be something that has been done by a company rather than an individual.
“There looks to be about 200 tyres there, that takes some organising.
“It could be that someone has taken money to dispose of these, and if we’re talking about it being £3 per tyre then they’ve made £600 dishonestly.
“It looks like somebody has been ripped off.”
It is believed that the tyres were left at the spot, in the Newton area, roughly a fortnight ago.
Locals believe the quiet area was chosen because there was little chance of anyone seeing them being unloaded.
Removing them will be the financial responsibility of the landowner, who is understood to have contacted Moray Council about carrying out the work.
Police guidance on fly-tipping states that people should gather as much information they can on those carrying out the anti-social practice before contacting the force.
Yesterday, Highlands and Islands MSP, Douglas Ross, launched a campaign to cut down on roadside litter – and took aim at fly-tippers.
Mr Ross said: “Fly-tipping is a blight on our communities and this irresponsible behaviour has to stop.
“The lack of respect people show the local area by dumping all sorts of goods, rather than taking them to the council facilities, is bewildering.”
Mr Ross spoke out as the Keep Scotland Beautiful charity launched an appeal to keep the country’s roadsides clear of rubbish.
The group’s chief executive, Derek Robertson, condemned littering by the road as a “disgusting and illegal habit”.
Mr Ross added: “The negative impression this gives for our communities can be very damaging as we try to encourage more people to visit and come back.”