Hundreds of people in Moray have signed a petition against local authority plans to introduce a council tax hike.
Moray’s Tory/Independent administration wants to raise the tax by as much as 18% to help pay for vital services.
But SNP politicians collected hundreds of signatures against the move while campaigning in Elgin town centre at the weekend.
Hundreds more backed the petition online.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead said: “From the minute we arrived on the High Street, people were approaching us expressing their concerns about the tax rise proposed by Tory and Independent councillors in Moray.
“Folk are just incredulous that such a ridiculous tax rise is being planned.
“The Scottish Government is providing hundreds of millions of pounds to councils across Scotland to keep council tax frozen as it is very clear to us that families are still struggling with the cost of living at a time of lie pay increases.
“That is especially the case in places like Moray, which has a lower wage economy.”
Moray MP Angus Robertson agreed it was clear from speaking to people on the street that the current administration was “out of touch with the financial reality for many families”.
He added: “What is even more ridiculous is the Tory leaflet dropping on Moray doormats claiming no tax rises while the council’s Tory convener is stating on live television his commitment to a whopping 18% rise.
“People are rightly wondering what’s going on.
“The SNP will oppose this shocking tax plan.”
Council leaders last week announced they had been forced to consider the “previously unthinkable option” due to a £5million reduction in funding which has left them facing a deficit of nearly £12million.
However, if the move is backed by councillors, the authority faces losing more than £1million in government funding for breaking the agreement on freezing rates.
The proposed hike would see council tax bills for Band A properties increasing from £756 to £892 and the charge for Band H homes rising from £2,270 to £2,678.
The vote will take place on Wednesday, February 10.