American mink trapping on Western Isles extended

American mink have been blamed for preying on ground nesting birds on the islands

Work to eradicate non-native American mink on the Western Isles has been extended for a further three years.

The mammal has been blamed for preying on ground-nesting birds and harming populations of native species.

Led by Scottish Natural Heritage, the Hebridean Mink Project was started in 2001 and 1,530 animals have been trapped so far.

Western Isles Council - Comhairle nan Eilean Siar - has provided £36,000 to allow the project to continue.

The scheme, which employs 14 people, has funds to run until March 2014.