A group of around 50 sun-seekers have been blamed for a major blaze on a Perthshire island.
The large gathering of youths was spotted partying on Stanley beach, while swathes of gorse went up in flames.
Efforts by firefighters to tackle the blaze were hampered by dozens of parked vehicles blocking the narrow road that leads to the Burnmoth/Campsie Linn area.
Fire crews were forced to walk to the island and bring the blaze under control using shovels, beaters and buckets.
Police were also called to the area but said they did not intend to investigate further because when they arrived, they could find no evidence of a fire.
Estate manager John Lindsay raised the alarm. He said antisocial behaviour problems at the beach had escalated in the last two years.
“It saddens me that what should be a place of outstanding natural beauty for all to enjoy is being ruined by unthinking and misdirected youths,” he said.
It is understood some of the people at the beach had set fire to a tree and left it to burn.
Mr Lindsay said: “There are multiple issues here: antisocial delinquents, irresponsible access, ecological destruction of nature and wildlife and damage to property, but I think the most frightening thing is the emergency access.”
He said: “Litter, disposable barbecues, soiled toilet paper, broken glass and lit fires are all left behind.”
Graffiti has also been daubed on rocks around the shoreline.
Mr Lindsay said the general feeling is that action will only be taken to manage parking and access along Linn Road when tragedy strikes.
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A fire service spokeswoman said one unit from Perth was called to the scene at 4pm on Monday.
They spent about 90 minutes bringing the fire under control.
Onlookers said police arrived late in the day, when the gathering was leaving the area.
A force spokesman said: “Police Scotland attended at the location, near Stanley, in response to a reported fire.
“Officers attending saw no evidence of a fire but there were barbecues still smoking which had been left behind by people who had been out enjoying the weather.”
He added: “We would like to remind everyone who goes out and about this spring and summer to be considerate, tidy up after themselves, and to ensure they have relevant permissions before entering any private land or property.”
