Several political signs across the North-east have been destroyed by vandals – with those behind the damage branded a “disgrace”.
The placards, in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, have been broken beyond repair and had graffiti sprayed across them over the last week.
In the city, a Scottish National Party sign was wrecked on Westburn Road as well as another on North Deeside Road in Cults.
And in the West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine constituency, a Conservative Party sign was defaced with “SNP” sprayed on it.
Both the SNP and Tories have hit out at the acts.
Kevin Stewart, MSP for Aberdeen Central, said: “It is horrifying that certain individuals think it is in any way acceptable to sneak into someone’s garden with sharp tools and aggressively damage and vandalise their property, as we have seen happen recently against SNP signage in Aberdeen.
“We live in a democracy where it is everyone’s right to hold a political opinion.
“It is a disgrace to try and aggressively intimidate someone and repress their freedom of expression simply because you disagree with them.
“Vandalising and damaging property is a criminal offence and instances like these are reported to the police and investigated. Anyone with information about this behaviour should speak to the police immediately to help apprehend the idiots responsible for these crimes.”
A Conservative Party spokesman added: “This is disgraceful behaviour that does nothing for the democratic process.
“Sadly, we have seen vandalism of this sort during elections in each of the last three years in West Aberdeenshire.
“We know this is not limited to one party, however, and we would urge everybody involved to conduct themselves in a respectful manner at all times.”
Serena Arif, who lives in Cults, has seen her SNP sign damaged three times in the last month which has resulted in her installing CCTV in a bid to deter vandals.
She said: “I have had graffiti sprayed over the sign as well as actual damage to it as well.
“It is pretty shameful behaviour really and to be honest, I feel quite vulnerable.
“My sign was targeted last year but this time it has been a lot worse therefore I decided to put CCTV up as it might stop people vandalising it.”
Police Scotland did not comment.