Scotland bans fox hunting to rural anger

The Scottish Parliament served notice on the future of fox-hunting in Britain last night when it voted to outlaw the blood sport.

After a six-hour debate, MSPs upheld a private member's Bill to ban hunting with hounds in Scotland.

However, opponents immediately claimed a loophole meant Scotland's 10 established hunts could continue, provided the hounds were used to eradicate foxes as pests rather than for sport.

The debate on the final stage of the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Bill was forced through shortly after 7pm by a majority of 83 votes to 36, with five abstentions.

The legislation roused passionate opposition from countryside groups who have vowed to fight the ban and even go to the European Court of Human Rights.

The Duke of Buccleuch, whose estate is home to one of the oldest hunts in the UK, attacked the decision.

He said: "Some people think adultery is barbaric so will they make that a criminal offence as well, or anything else that offends their pious sensibilities?"

Les Ward, chairman of the Scottish Campaign Against Hunting With Dogs, said: "It is a historic day. Scotland has led the way. It will send a signal to the world that Scotland is a civilised and modern country with a modern parliament."

The ban is not expected to become law in Scotland until later in the year.