GM crops vandalised

The trial has been at the centre of controversy

A field of genetically modified (GM) crops in Scotland that has been at the centre of an environmental row has been destroyed.

Northern Constabulary said about five acres of GM oilseed rape was destroyed overnight between Saturday and Sunday at Roskill Farm, Munlochy, Easter Ross.

Police said they were investigating the matter and appealed for information.

It comes just days after a Scottish Parliament committee called for the crop trial, which had just started to flower, to be ploughed up.

Campaigners have registered their concerns

A total of 4,000 protesters based on the Black Isle handed a petition to the Transport and Environment Committee expressing their opposition to the crop trial.

On Wednesday, a meeting of the committee narrowly voted in favour of a motion by Green MSP Robin Harper calling for an end to the trial.

Anthony Jackson, of the Munlochy Vigil, which has campaigned against the oilseed rape trial, said the group had no knowledge of the incident.

He said: "We have no plans for direct action. We are heavily involved in the political process and that is the way we will continue to operate."