A "fundamental review" of the policy on using television cameras in court is to be carried out, Scotland's top judge has announced.

Lord Gill, Lord President of Scotland's judiciary, said that technology has changed considerably in the 20 years since broadcasters have been able to apply for permission to televise proceedings, and that a review is required.

He has instructed judicial office holders to carry out a review and no further applications to film in court will be considered until it is completed.

The Judicial Office for Scotland currently receives between three and four requests to film in court each year.

A statement on the Judiciary of Scotland website said: "The Lord President, the Rt Hon Lord Gill, has decided to conduct a fundamental review of the current policy on the use of television cameras in court.

"The Lord President has determined that the current policy requires to be revisited and given extended consideration.

"He has instructed that a review be undertaken by Judicial Office Holders. Until this review is completed no further applications to film in court will be considered by the Judicial Office for Scotland."

In April, David Gilroy became the first convicted killer to have his sentence filmed for British TV.

Judge Lord Bracadale was recorded as he handed Gilroy a mandatory life sentence for murdering his colleague, Suzanne Pilley, whose body has never been found.

The television camera focused solely on the judge.

It was the first time a UK High Court sentencing was filmed for an on-the-day TV broadcast.

Windfall Films, on behalf of Channel 4, has been granted permission to film a number of High Court trials.

The statement said this project will be allowed to continue until it is complete.