Aaron Campbell is appealing against his 27-year sentence for murdering Alesha MacPhail.

Campbell, 16, was last month convicted of killing the six-year-old on the Isle of Bute.

He abducted and raped the little girl, before murdering her and dumping her body in woodland.

Campbell denied the charges throughout a two-week trial, but admitted the offence during his sentencing hearing.

Judge Lord Matthews gave him a mandatory life sentence and ordered him to spend at least 27 years behind bars.

A spokesman from the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service told STV News: "Aaron Campbell has lodged a note of appeal against his sentence."

Ann Marie Cocozza, of charity Friends Affected by Murder and Suicide, branded Campbell an "attention-seeking psychopath".

On behalf of Alesha's mum Georgina Lochrane, Ms Cocozza said: "We were not surprised, we fully expected it.

"I did advise Georgina on the day of the sentencing that this was not the end.

"Georgina has said that he cannot hurt this family any more than he already has. She intends to go to court to see his appeal and will be laughing as it blows up in his face."

Armed with a knife, "cold-bloodied" Campbell snatched Alesha out of her bed before carrying her to the former Kyles Hydropathic Hotel on the island where he raped and murdered her on July 2 last year.

He told the child he was a friend of her dad's and was going to take her home, before raping and murdering her.

Campbell then threw his clothing into the sea before going back to the scene to retrieve his phone.

During the sentencing, Lord Matthews told how he was "shocked" when he read the "cold-blooded and horrific" account given by the killer to a psychologist after his conviction.

Alesha's body was found in a wooded area of the island a few hours after her family reported her missing on July 2 last year.

Campbell previously claimed Alesha's dad's girlfriend, Toni McLachlan, had "murder on her mind", blaming the 19-year-old for the killing.

However, it was reaffirmed during the sentencing hearing that Ms McLachlan had nothing to do with it.

Alesha's uncle CJ MacPhail has since called for changes to the law so children accused of the most serious crimes - such as rape and murder - can be tried as adults in court.

Campbell was sentenced as a child and initially could not be named because he is under 18. The judge lifted that restriction after a challenge by media outlets, including STV News.