Plans are being drawn up to tackle 'nuisance' wild boar that risk causing damage to the Scottish countryside.

The animals were hunted to extinction 800 years before being brought back to their native habitat seven years ago.

Despite fears over whether they could survive the harsh winters, the animals thrived and there are now estimated to be as many as 1000 wild boar running loose in Lochaber and the south west of Scotland.

Conservationists are now concerned that the number of wild boar could soon rise to unmanageable levels.

Alastair MacGugan, wildlife management manager for Scottish Natural Heritage, said: "It's a complicated issue because some farmers may find them a nuisance if they cause agricultural damage, and they could also damage natural habitat by digging up bulbs or eating ground-nesting birds' eggs.

"The Scottish Government, SNH and other agencies are currently working together to assess the risks and benefits of having wild boar in the Scottish countryside and come up with a plan of what to do next, and get agreement on this plan."

The hogs can weigh up to 50 stone, run at speeds up to 30mph and are known to damage crops and meadows while rooting for food.

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association said it has been left frustrated by a lack of guidance on how to cope with growing numbers of the hogs.

A spokesman stated: "There is a recognisable problem here, but no one wants to put a foot out of line because management of species has become a highly politicised issue.

"People need proper guidance as regards management of wild boar and they need to know what they should and should not be doing."