Mink have set up home in Gourock train station, prompting rail bosses to take action.

The animals are believed to have moved into the office from the seafront and have been causing a health hazard by leaving rotting fish everywhere.

ScotRail is to set up a temporary ticket office and passengers will have to buy tickets on the train in the meantime.

They are now set to send officers to get rid of the animals, a non-native species that originally escaped from fur farms, by catching them in cages.

A spokesperson for First ScotRail said: "The ticket office has been closed because mink have set up home on the roof and return with fish from the seashore. Fortunately, mink can be caught in cage traps and a contractor has been hired to do so.

"A temporary booking office will be set up. Until then, our customers can purchase their tickets on trains."

Gourock Councillor George White said: "I'm surprised to hear that's happened. If that is the case, ScotRail should phone environmental services and they'll come very quickly."

Stuart McMillan, parliamentary SNP candidate for Greenock and Inverclyde, said: "From the health and safety aspect this is incredible, for staff and customers."