Walkers on a Moray beach have been warned to take care so they do not get stuck in sinking sand.
A warning has been issued for the east and west sands in Lossiemouth about soft ground by the local authority.
Shocked walkers have reported losing shoes after getting bogged down on the coast with others seeing themselves becoming submerged up to their knees.
It is believed a pipe being moved disturbed the ground with the surface not returning to normal yet.
Heldon and Laich councillor John Cowe believes the soft sand is restricted to a small part of the beach but urged walkers to use common sense and to remain vigilant.
He said: “I have lived here all my life and walked down there hundreds of times and it has never been a problem before.
“There was an issue on the west beach with a pipe that raised itself and needed dug back into the sand. There were four bulldozers there so it would have been soft for a while but I would have expected it to return to normal.
“The sands are very safe and people should use common sense. Obviously the council are looking at it but all you can do is put up a notice asking people to be careful.”
Anyone who finds themselves in difficulty, or sees anyone in trouble, should contact the coastguard by phoning 999.