A procession of caravans pitched up on Arbroath’s seafront at the weekend, as nearby attractions opened for Easter.
Police Scotland confirmed five caravans had appeared on Queen’s Drive on Friday afternoon.
By the following morning, that number had doubled, with a further six transit vans and four other vehicles on the impromptu site.
They appeared as families flocked to the West Links to enjoy an Easter Family Fun Day, marking the first day’s trading for many of the attractions.
While parking was at a premium as a result of the encampment, organisers reported no issues with a successful Easter Saturday.
Arbroath FC were also at home on Saturday, fulfilling their league fixture against Annan Athletic at Gayfield Park.
Confirming that they were aware of the situation, the police confirmed that local officers had been giving the area passing attention and would continue to make “periodic checks” as appropriate.
A spokesman confirmed the landowners, Angus Council, had been notified of the matter.
Arbroath councillor David Fairweather said he received a complaint from a local on Saturday morning and had seen the gathering of caravans for himself, which he described as one of the biggest encampments he had seen in the town.
He said: “I am sure that the police and the local authority will monitor the situation appropriately.
“But it is unfortunate to have so many vehicles in the area at Easter weekend when there’s a fun day at the West Links and people will be looking to park there.
“It’s not ideal.”
Last April, residents were upset by the mess left behind by a large group of travellers who had camped and then departed from the same area, near Gayfield. As well as rubbish and gas bottles, a burnt out caravan also had to be removed by the authorities.
In such circumstances, when they are made aware of an encampment, Angus Council will continue to monitor the situation in line with their policies and procedures.
The council has no powers to immediately move on an unauthorised encampment, but in accordance with policy each one is monitored by the relevant agencies and, if it does not move on within agreed timescales, the liaison group will agree what action is necessary.