The SNP have been forced to take down general election campaign posters that were illegally erected on the outskirts of a north-east village.
An activist working for Eilidh Whiteford, who hopes to be re-elected the MP for Banff and Buchan next Thursday, tied them to a sign welcoming people to Rothienorman.
The move angered Liberal Democrat candidate David Evans who complained to Aberdeenshire Council which has strict rules on the issue.
“The election rules outlined very clearly by Aberdeenshire Council’s returning officer leave no room for misinterpretation and clearly state that fly posting of election materials on public land is illegal,” he said.
“It is disappointing that the SNP find themselves unable to play by the same rules as everyone else.
“This breach has now been reported to the returning officer and I trust will be dealt with appropriately.”
A spokeswoman for the local authority said posting election material promoting a candidate or party on council land or property, including roadside verges, street furniture and lighting columns, had been prohibited for a number of years.
She added that the signs would be removed.
A spokesman for the Banff and Buchan branch of the SNP said: “We’re well aware of the rules and this appears to have been carried out by an enthusiastic member of the public who didn’t appreciate you can’t put these things on public property.
“We’re delighted with the support we’re receiving in Rothienorman but as soon as it was brought to our attention, action was taken to remove the posters.
“We’re grateful to the Liberal candidate for pointing this out but we could have acted quicker if he had contacted us directly, as indeed we have done in the case of Conservative posters which were put up on private property near Peterhead without permission.”