Warning over life buoy vandalism
Lives are being put at risk by vandals needlessly throwing life buoys into rivers, Stirling Council has warned.
The authority said replacing lost buoys was costing its fisheries service more than £1,000 a year.
The service manages fishing on the River Forth and River Teith and provides 40 life buoys at various points along the banks.
Environment Councillor Jim Thomson said the "reckless actions" of some were putting lives in danger.
"Our rivers and lochs are an attraction for people to go swimming at this time of year but this carries a significant degree of risk," he said.
"With many hidden dangers in the rivers such as snags, currents and debris, people will at times get into difficulty and the only source of assistance is a life buoy."
Stirling Council and Central Scotland Police have asked the public to report missing life buoys or vandalism incidents.