SEABIRDS at some of Scotland's most important colonies have recorded their best breeding season in a decade, according to new figures.

The National Trust for Scotland said kittiwakes, razorbills, common guillemots, European shags and puffins were among those which have seen an upturn at Mingulay, Canna and St Kilda. Manx shearwaters, which had become extinct on Canna, have returned.

Dr Richard Luxmoore, the trust's senior nature conservation adviser, said: "After several years of bad news it is encouraging several species have had their best season in 10 years."