A travelling community has set up camp beside an old school in Ayr.
Caravans and cars have moved into the field beside the former Mainholm Academy.
The encampment took up residence earlier this week in the shadow of the John Pollock Centre.
South Ayrshire Council chiefs have confirmed legal proceedings are now underway to remove the camp.
John Scott, the Conservative candidate for Ayr at next month's Scottish parliamentary elections, said: "It’s completely wrong that the community in Mainholm – or indeed any of the local communities that have endured unauthorised traveller encampments over recent weeks – should be put in this positon.
"The John Pollock Centre is a site used for mobile COVID-19 testing units and its occupation by travellers is utterly unacceptable.
"I have been in touch with the council to urge that action is taken to have the unauthorised encampment removed at the earliest opportunity."
A South Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: "We are in contact with the travellers and have provided sacks for disposal of their refuse.
"Legal proceedings by the council are currently underway."
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