An investigation has been launched after a Nazi sign was erected in a north-east town.
The sign, which was placed near a group of travellers who have pitched up in caravans next to Stonehaven’s open air pool, read “Nazi Gathering” and displayed a swastika.
Police removed the sign shortly before 9am yesterday.
Investigating officer Steven McKenzie said: “I would appeal for anyone who knows anything about this sign or who saw anything suspicious in the area to come forward.”
Area inspector Steve Golightly said his officers were still speaking to potential witnesses, adding: “We’ve spoken to the travellers and are satisfied they haven’t placed it there.”
Frank Budd, chairman of the Stonehaven Tourism group, said: “I find it quite disgusting. Something like that does not have any place at all in Stonehaven, whoever put it there.”
Stonehaven and Lower Deeside councillor Graeme Clark said: “I'm offended by it, locals have been offended by it, this is something which is intolerable.
“It incites problems, we have enough problems with travellers without notices like that.
“We know what the Nazis did to gypsies, there’s no place for a Nazi sign there.
“The camp is not the nicest welcome to the pool. I’d like to move them by legal means.
“The council should put in a hedge, fencing or bollards up to stop travellers accessing the site.
“I’ll suggest on Tuesday at the Kincardine and Mearns area committee that a meeting with the police, environmental health and landscaping takes place to see what can be done to keep them off the site in future.”
Mr Clark said “dozens” of constituents had contacted him regarding the camp.
Fellow councillor Wendy Agnew said: “Between the three travellers’ groups in Stonehaven I have had about 90 people phoning me.”
There are currently also travellers at Baird Park and at Fetteresso.
“The main concern is it is a tourist town,” she said.
“That place at the swimming pool is where people picnic. It's just not on.”
One of the travellers, who did not want to be named, said yesterday: “We get used to it, but we don’t want to comment”.
