Amnesty International has written to two north-east councils urging them to give more support to traveller communities.
The human rights group’s letters to Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils claims Scottish gypsy and traveller communities suffer widespread discrimination.
The charity also points out the lack of a liaison officer for gypsies and travellers, and the “apparent shortage” of halting sites in the areas. It calls for an explanation of how the councils are supporting the groups through their housing strategies and equality schemes.
John Watson, Scottish programme director for Amnesty International, said the situation raises “fundamental human rights concerns”, particularly in relation to the rights to health, education, housing, cultural life and freedom from discrimination.
He said: “As the main providers of housing, sites and education, local authorities have a crucial part to play in improving the situation for Scottish gypsy/travellers in Scotland. And research in England suggests that decent site provision can actually save money, through reduced legal and staff costs, while reducing conflict between communities.”
In his letter to Aberdeenshire Council, which is addressed to the authority’s chief executive, Colin Mackenzie, Mr Watson raises a number of concerns, including the tenancy agreement for the Greenbank travellers’ site at Banff, which “urgently” needs to be reviewed.
He also says a response to the apparent need for halting sites in the area should also be considered urgent.
Mr Watson raises similar concerns in a letter addressed to Aberdeen City Council chief executive Sue Bruce. A spokesman for the city council confirmed that it had received the letter, but refused to comment further, saying it would reply to Amnesty International directly.
A spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council said it would also give a direct response to Amnesty International.
She said: “Last year, we jointly commissioned some research on the needs of gypsies and travellers and Aberdeenshire Council is now working on implementing the recommendations.
“A key factor is the need for transit sites across Aberdeenshire and we have identified several potential sites in our proposed local development plan which has just been published for public consultation.
“Our approach is very much of partnership working, to find solutions that are tailored to meet the needs of travellers and the expectations of the settled community.”