Farmers and crofters in possession of illegal pesticides have been urged to make use of a Government pesticide disposal scheme.
The scheme was set up to get rid of illegal pesticides which could be used to poison wildlife.
It forms part of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Scotland, and is free and confidential for farmers to use.
The pesticides accepted are: Aldicarb, Carbofuran, Carbosulfan, Isofenphos, Mevinphos, sodium cyanide (usually known as Cymag), strychnine and most types of Bendiocarb.
Banned or expired formulations of Chloralose, especially those containing more than 5% Chloralose, and banned or expired formulations of aluminium phosphide will also be accepted.
Environment Minister and chair of PAW Scotland, Aileen McLeod, said: “While recent incidents have demonstrated that some people are still deliberately using these pesticides to kill wildlife, we also know that in many cases these substances may have been left forgotten and unused for years.
“Therefore I hope that people will come forward safe in the knowledge that handing over these pesticides will not be seen as an assumption of guilt.”
NFU Scotland vice-president Rob Livesey said: “I would encourage all our members to check their chemical stores. If they find any products that are eligible for disposal via this scheme, they shouldn’t hesitate to take action.”
The disposal scheme line is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, on 0131 472 4187.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Before calling, users are asked to make a note of which banned pesticides they have, and check whether these are included in the scheme using the guide on the PAW Scotland website.
“The pesticides included in this scheme are highly toxic and many are lethal to humans and animals, even in small quantities.
“Extreme caution should be exercised if searching premises for banned pesticides: suitable gloves must be worn, and make sure that adequate lighting exists to enable you to assess the condition of the container before touching it. Some pesticides, such as Mevinphos, can kill merely upon contact with skin.
“If in doubt, further advice should be sought before any search is carried out. Exposed chemicals or leaking containers should never be touched or moved except by suitably qualified professionals.”