Scotland’s agency for wildlife and habitats unlawfully allowed beavers to be killed, a judge has ruled.

NatureScot has been ordered to stop issuing licences to cull the animals without first giving its reasons in writing.

The rewilding charity Trees for Life challenged the beaver-killing policy at the Court of Session, saying too many licences were being issued.

Out of five complaints from Trees for Life, four were rejected by the court.

NatureScot said the decision, “for the most part”, vindicated their approach.