Human sewage has been found dumped in a layby on a major Perthshire tourist route.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is appealing for information after the sludge was discovered in a small ditch by the A93 just north of Bridge of Cally, near Blairgowrie.
It is the second time raw waste has been illegally dumped in the area a similar discovery was made in Drimmie Wood in 2010.
Sepa officers attended the scene after receiving a report from a member of the public. The shallow ditch was said to be near to overflowing.
As part of the investigation SEPA is now appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious in that area to get in touch.
Calum McGregor, senior environment protection officer based in Perth, said: ”This is now the second time we have had a report of sewage being dumped in remote locations to the north of Blairgowrie.
”In 2010 sewage was dumped near Drimmie Wood and this latest incident was in a lay-by on the A93 just outside Bridge of Cally.
”We are determined to find out who was responsible and to stop it happening again. I would encourage anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact Sepa, in particular I would be interested if anyone saw a tanker stopped in that area in the last month or so.”
He added: ”Provided businesses are properly registered with Sepa they can collect sewage effluent from septic tanks or sewage works, but they must take them to the appropriate facilities.”
To treat, keep or dispose of controlled waste in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health is prohibited under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Anyone convicted of such an offence may face a fine of up to £40,000 or imprisonment for a term of up to two years.