Vandals targeted dozens of planters in a Buchan village in a rampage that could damage its In Bloom hopes.
Those responsible roamed the streets of Cruden Bay over the weekend to destroy about a dozen floral displays.
Begonias and geraniums were ripped out of their containers and the half barrels and pots they were being kept in were smashed.
Now the search is on for those responsible for undoing the hard work of volunteers who are dedicated to brightening up their village.
The flowers had been planted by and cared for by the Cruden Bay Horticultural Society.
And last night the group’s secretary, Anne MacKenzie, slammed those responsible for the “wanton” vandalism.
Ms MacKenzie said the damage had been a blow to Cruden Bay residents but said they would not be deterred.
“It is just so disappointing for everyone in the village,” she said.
“This was not just somebody giving them the odd kick on the way up the road.
“This was deliberate and wanton vandalism and it will not be cheap to replace all the plants.
“It definitely needs to be stopped.”
Despite the disappointment, Ms MacKenzie said it would not put off the army of volunteers responsible for trying to keep the plants water and looking their best from continuing to brighten up their village.
Aberdeenshire Council has previously donated plants to the horticultural society but following the vandalism, it is to local businesses it has turned for help to replenish the planters over the coming weeks.
Ms MacKenzie had a defiant message for those behind it the damage.
She said: “We regularly enter the Buchan in Bloom competition and we take pride in what we do.
“We are planning to approach local businesses for new plants. We are not going to be defeated by this.
“It is really important for us to raise awareness of this incident.”
Ms MacKenzie said the vandalism had been reported to the police.
