The refusal of the SNP government to abide by party policy and ban the snaring of wild animals has sparked growing discontent within the ranks of the nationalist party.
One party official has resigned in disgust, others are known to be unhappy about the policy shift and several SNP MSPs have signalled their opposition.
Snares are wires used by gamekeepers to trap foxes and other animals to try to prevent them killing pheasants or grouse.
