A Facebook invitation has been blamed for mess and vandalism at Broughty Ferry at the weekend.
The beach was left covered with empty bottles and cans after hundreds of revellers descended on it on Saturday evening.
As well as leaving debris strewn across the beach, vandals caused extensive damage to the playpark on Castle Green, setting fire to a climbing frame.
The council’s rapid response team was dispatched first thing on Monday to clean up the worst of the damage just 24 hours before an official ceremony to mark the beach attaining Blue Flag status for the second year in succession was due to take place.
Ferry councillor Rod Wallace said he was appalled by the state of the beach.
“I was down there at eight o’clock this morning and it looked like a battlefield it was disgusting,” he said.
“I understand there was an invitation on Facebook advertising for people to come down to Broughty Ferry beach on Saturday night unfortunately they have caused a lot of damage to Castle Green play area.
“One of the major attractions the big climbing frame was set on fire and they have caused an awful lot of damage.”Throwaway cultureHe added, “If that is the sort of people who are coming to the Ferry then we don’t want them.
“If you were a tourist coming to the area and you saw that you would pack your suitcase and leave straight away.
“There is an adequate number of bins along the promenade so there is no reason for people’s attitudes it is just a throwaway culture.
“I have spoken to residents and they are just absolutely disgusted as am I.”
Dundee City Council leisure, arts and communities convener Bob Duncan condemned the destruction of what he described as one of Dundee’s “jewels in the crown.”
“The facilities at Castle Green are nationally recognised with people coming from far afield, as well as locals, to use them,” he said.
“I am sure that the people of Dundee share my anger at this wanton destruction and, at a time of financial constraints, initial estimates of repairing this facility might very well amount to a five-figure sum.
“This is a disgraceful act and I would appeal for anyone who has information that would help to catch these mindless thugs to contact Tayside Police.”Terrible stateDerek Arthur, from Ballumbie Drive in Dundee, visited the beach on Sunday and said it was in a “terrible state.”
“The very reason which makes the beach a pleasure to use was destroyed after only one day,” he said.
Angus Robertson, from Gray Street in Broughty Ferry, added, “It was great to see everyone enjoying themselves at Broughty Ferry beach at the weekend.
“What a pity so many did not think beyond the day and either take away or deposit their plastic bags, bottles cans even nappies responsibly.
“Fortunately many did care and when the bins filled up they stacked the rubbish in plastic bags by the bin rather than leaving their rubbish scattered about the beach.
“It took a lot of work to achieve the Blue Flag status. Unfortunately the laziness and irresponsibility of an unfortunately growing number of selfish slobs is going to spoil the fun and appreciation of the beach for many responsible, law-abiding families.”
Police are appealing for witnesses to the climbing frame being set on fire, which they believe happened about 11.20pm on Saturday.
Anyone who saw anything suspicious or who can assist the police inquiry should speak to any officer or call 0300 1112222.
Was Facebook really to blame? Let us know by email or in the comments below if you saw the beach party being advertised there.