Scarecrows that were placed around a north-east town as part of gala celebrations have been damaged and stolen.
The 18 colourful ragamuffins were part of trail for youngsters to take part in as part of Westhill Gala Week.
One of the scarecrows – a 5ft tall pink pig in a red jumper – was taken from its post near the Holiday Inn on Westhill Drive on Sunday.
Another scarecrow, designed by Costco, was ripped off a fence and thrown into a nearby burn, another had its head slashed and others have clothes missing.
Westhill Art Group, who organised the event, say the incidents will make them think twice about organising future events.
Rosemary Murray, 72, team leader of Westhill Art Group, said: “There is a small group of yobs out of a population of 20,000 in the town that have wrecked the event.
“We left the scarecrows out overnight which was foolish.
“Lots of children were expecting to see the scarecrows but some have been very badly damaged and it’s a real shame.
“These are stupid thugs.
“What is the point of putting on events like this when vandals target us?”
Youth groups and school children have also put up more than 2,000 flags across the Aberdeenshire town but 50 of these have been ripped off and others set on fire.
A police spokeswoman said: “Inquiries are ongoing to establish what has happened to the scarecrow that has been reported stolen near the Holiday Inn on Westhill Drive.”