Weekend revellers have been condemned after leaving Angus beauty spots in a disgusting mess.
A large amount of litter was left at West Links in Arbroath and at Lunan Bay, with an urgent clean-up operation launched on Monday morning to collect broken glass and rubbish.
Convener of Angus Council neighbourhood services Donald Morrison said: “Many people took advantage of the exceptionally good weather at the weekend to enjoy visiting our beaches and parks. Unfortunately a large amount of litter was left at West Links, Arbroath, and at Lunan Bay.
“We organised a litter pick and clean-up at both locations as a matter of urgency this morning as there was an issue with smashed glass as well as other rubbish being left in these areas.
“I would ask people to exercise responsibility and either deposit litter in the bins provided, or to take it home with them, to keep these beaches and grassy areas clean for everyone to enjoy.”
Broken bottles, plastic cups, clothing, discarded barbecues, half-eaten food and litter were left behind at West Links.
The dog bins on the award-winning beach were also emptied, with bags of dog dirt being thrown around by drink-swilling youths.
Local man Nick Hall regularly goes walking at the West Links and said it was the worst state he had ever seen the beach in.
“I went for a walk on Sunday evening and I’ve never seen anything like it in 40 years I’m not exaggerating,” he said. “It was absolutely disgusting. There is broken glass on the beach, plastic bottles you name it, every conceivable container.
“All the litter bins are full and they have made no attempt to take their litter away. The council is away to spend money on the West Links, but I would have to ask, is it worth it?
“Most of the young people who were on the beach were local, so it’s a mess of their own making.
“If we can’t look after our own beaches how can we expect to look after more serious issues such as climate change?”
Local councillor David Fairweather said he was disgusted by the mess and urged people to be more responsible.
He said: ”On Sunday morning I received a text from a constituent about the mess at West Links and took a wander down to see for myself.
”I called the council and by the time I came back down again half an hour later it was already being cleared up and great credit must go to the council.
”There were a lot of broken bottles, and how irresponsible of people, given how many kids play there and how many people walk their dogs there.
”Twelve hours later I got a call from Mr Hall, who said he had never seen anything like it in his life, and to be perfectly honest neither have I.”
Photos by Jim Ratcliffe