The Scottish Government has been accused of “passing the buck” on the issue of traveller encampments.
North-east MSP Peter Chapman challenged Justice Secretary Michael Matheson on the “utter confusion” surrounding police powers over unauthorised settlements.
The Scottish Conservative member claimed officers in the north-east said there was “nothing” within existing legislation which allowed for illegal campers to simply be moved on.
Instead, police were falling back on the 150-year-old Trespass (Scotland) Act, which they believe is inadequate, Mr Chapman said.
Meanwhile, Mr Chapman argued the Scottish Government was pressuring local authorities to build authorised halting sites which are not being used.
Mr Matheson hit back that he was “appalled” by Mr Chapman’s arguments – and reiterated that “lead responsibility for dealing with the issues at a local level lies with local authorities, and the police can provide assistance”.
But, speaking after the Holyrood session, Mr Chapman said: “Police officers are telling us they are effectively powerless in the face of illegal camps, and that building halting sites alone won’t solve the problem.
“But the Scottish Government seems happy to leave councils to deal with the fallout.
“It is our elected members who must take the difficult decisions on where to build gypsy-traveller sites, often in the face of strong local opposition.
“Now those councillors are being told that police may not take action against illegal camps, even if the sites are in operation.
“There is a serious issue here that needs to be addressed, but the minister appears happy to pass the buck and let others take the flak.”
But Mr Matheson told MSPs he was “appalled” by Mr Chapman’s comments.
He added: “Gypsy communities and traveller communities have their rights, too, and as a society we should respect that and manage the issues as effectively as we can.
“Lead responsibility for dealing with the issues at a local level lies with local authorities, and the police can provide assistance to them as and when necessary.”