A councillor has said she was hounded out of office by a stalker who is waging an anonymous hate-mail campaign against her.
Carolle Ralph is stepping down from Moray Council after just six months representing Lossiemouth's Heldon and Laich ward for the SNP. Police are investigating letters which started after her election and are appealing for information.
Ms Ralph said: "There comes a point where enough is enough. I stood for the council to work for the community, not to become a target for vicious bullying and a personal campaign of intimidation. My family life has been put under an unacceptable amount of stress as a direct result of this stalking and I am not prepared to carry on in these circumstances."
She continued: "This is not a decision I have come to lightly. It is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, especially given my commitment to this community which I love and which all my life has always been so important to me.
"I have received the kindest support from people in Lossiemouth and throughout the ward as well as from SNP colleagues. I would be very grateful if anyone has any information that might help the police with their inquiries to contact them.
Moray Council SNP leader Pearl Paul said: "Nobody should have to put up with the treatment Carolle Ralph has endured. She is a well-respected colleague who has bravely soldiered on for months, working hard for people throughout the ward whilst being targeted in this stalking campaign.
"People in Lossiemouth will be shocked by this cowardly treatment and I hope information will be provided to the police so those responsible can be brought to justice.
"In a democracy it is totally unacceptable to literally hound somebody from elected office."
Ms Ralph's departure heralds a by-election to appoint her replacement on the council which now has 10 independents, nine SNP councillors and three each for Labour and the Conservatives.
A Grampian Police spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that we have received a complaint and that we are making inquiries."
