“Willful firestarters” have been branded “idiotic” after emergency services had to attend a north-east beach to extinguish a “mindless” blaze.
Litter and creel pots were set on fire at Tiger Hill, the largest dune at Fraserburgh beach, on Sunday night.
The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and members of the Fraserburgh coastguard team were sent to the scene following a 999 call made at around 7pm.
Last night, a spokesman for the coastguard issued a message to those responsible that they had recovered a lighter from the scene.
He said it was available for them to collect if they dare.
“On arrival along with Scottish Fire Service it was established a number of items including litter and creel pots had been set alight by Tiger Hill, the fire was quickly extinguished by fire service and team stood down,” he said.
“To the willful fire starter, we did recover your lighter and this is ready for collection at Fraserburgh police station’s lost property.”
Brian Topping, the chairman of the port’s community safety group, said he was furious with the actions of those responsible.
“It’s really quite shocking and sad,” he said.
“The fact is the emergency services have to attend these things when they could be out missing another call where someone’s life could actually be in danger.
“It’s a total waste of everyone’s time and has an added effect on our beautiful landscape. It really makes my blood boil, quite honestly.
“It’s a mindless, idiotic, careless and stupid thing to do and I just hope that the people involved are caught.”
Mr Topping added that anyone thinking of fire raising should “stop and think” about the repercussions.
A spokesman for Police Scotland confirmed that officers were aware of the fire at the beach, but have had no involvement so far.