Vandals have been condemned as “thoughtless” after they wreaked havoc at a north-east beauty spot.
The Waters of Philorth nature reserve, near Fraserburgh, is a popular walking and picnic spot for families across Aberdeenshire, which connects Fraserburgh’s beach to the village communities of Inverallochy and Cairnbulg.
But in recent weeks, vandals have targeted the sands at the beach sparking anger from the region’s most senior councillor.
Brian Topping, who organises beach cleans across Fraserburgh annually, said it was time for locals to take responsibility for their actions.
Mr Topping had been walking his dog across the beach earlier this week when he noticed that a gate near the car park of the nature reserve had been pulled from its hinges and dragged through the walking route heading towards the main road.
When it was recovered, it appeared as if those responsible had purposely tied ropes around it and used a vehicle to rip it from its concrete base.
Last night, he called for an end to what he branded “mindless destruction”.
Mr Topping added: “Landscape services just fixed that gate after it was damaged a few months ago.
“But when I was out on Sunday with the dog, I noticed it was gone. There was large skid-marks from a car and it looks like they have deliberately hauled the whole gate out and left it hundreds of yards away – dumped. It’s absolutely ridiculous.
“There’s someone out there just causing mischief and costing us a whole lot of time, money and effort.
“It has to be condemned and these people have to be caught and taught a lesson – it’s mindless, thoughtless and idiotic at a time when councils are having to make cutbacks.”
