Heartless vandals have smashed up a primary school garden for the third time in less than two months.
An eco garden, created by children at Hill of Banchory, has been damaged repeatedly in recent weeks.
In the latest incident, wooden fences were smashed, plants were trampled on and litter was left behind.
Parents and pupils had been in the middle of re-planting and fixing the damage from the previous incident.
Aberdeenshire Council said pupils and staff would be dismayed to find the garden had once again been attacked as they prepare to return from their break.
Councillor Ann Ross, who represents the Banchory and Mid-Deeside ward, has condemned the culprits.
She said:”It is extremely disappointing and disheartening for the children, teachers and parent council of Hill of Banchory School that their eco garden has been vandalised yet again.
“This act of vandalism is thoughtless and selfish and such mindless behaviour will not be tolerated.
“The parent council, teachers and volunteers only repaired the garden a few weeks ago after a previous vandalism incident, to no avail.
“The only people those responsible for this despicable act are hurting are the children who attend the school and play in the garden.
“I having been working with the school, parent council and local police officers to try and resolve the problem.”
Last June, vandals damaged a shed, poly tunnel and outer wall of a classroom, as well as daubing “offensive” graffiti on an outdoor classroom bench.
The Press and Journal revealed in January that damage to schools accounted for 40% of vandalism repair costs for the authority in the past two years.
The total cost of repairs paid by the authority was £67,617, with the damage to schools totalling £26,330.
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said: “It is a shame that a space for children at Hill of Banchory Primary School has been damaged again.
“We know the school and its pupils will be very disappointed when they return from their break.”
