Laws have been passed at Holyrood aimed at solving neighbourly disputes about high hedges.

MSPs unanimously backed the High Hedges (Scotland) Bill which defines what a high hedge is and sets out a process to resolve disagreements between neighbours.

It is hoped the law will bring an end to the problem which can result in complaints about sunlight being blocked from homes.

SNP MSP Mark McDonald, who brought forward the bill, said: "There are a number of apparently intractable disputes across Scotland that revolve around the presence of a high hedge, with no easy resolution in sight and no apparent willingness to resolve matters amicably between neighbours.

"In my view, this bill was the best way to achieve a practical and sustainable resolution to this long-standing problem."

The bill would allow people to apply to their council for a high hedge notice. Councils will be able to make and enforce decisions after taking account of all views, he said.

Laws on high hedges have been adopted in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

Local Government Minister Derek Mackay said: "The Government has supported the bill consistently during its progress in Parliament. We recognise that Scotland is the only part of the UK without high hedges legislation. Nevertheless, Scotland has benefited in learning from those other parts of the UK and I hope members will agree that we have before us a well thought-out bill that will address the problems across Scotland."