Hedgehogs from the Uists appear to be settling in well at their new home in Ayrshire, with the support of Scottish Natural Heritage.

SNH angered environmentalists four years ago by embarking on a cull of hedgehogs in the Uists.

The agency said it had to act because the hedgehogs were devastating internationally important populations of waders such as lapwings, snipe and redshank.

Hedgehogs were introduced to the Uists in the 1970s by a resident trying to control garden pests.

In 2003, SNH estimated there were more than 5000 on the islands.

Since then, SNH has trapped 690 on North Uist and Benbecula, which were dispatched by lethal injection.

However, Uist Hedgehog Rescue has relocated 756 hedgehogs over the past four years.

In light of research, the Scottish Society for the Protection of Animals, which had previously held it was more humane to kill than to relocate, changed its mind.

In February, SNH board agreed the killing should stop to allow a trial translocation.

Now all hedgehogs caught are immediately handed over to Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Trust before being transferred from the islands to their mainland base in Ayrshire. Once there, the animals acclimatise before being released at carefully chosen and monitored sites.

The trial translocation will last for a year and is being undertaken to welfare standards set by the SSPCA.

Andy Christie from the Hessilhead trust said: "The first batch of Uist hedgehogs has arrived in Ayrshire.

All are in good condition and eating well and most have already attained their target release weight. They will soon be released in mature or wild gardens, where food will be provided."