The Scottish Parliament is deciding whether to pass a Bill which would ban hunting with dogs in Scotland.
Scottish Ministers are to vote on the controversial Bill following a marathon debate in Edinburgh which was expected to stretch into the evening.
The debate looked set to take place against a backdrop of demonstrations by opponents of the proposed legislation.
If the Bill, introduced by Labour MSP Mr Mike Watson, is passed it will mark the end of its two-year parliamentary passage.
According to opponents of the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Bill, a yes vote could lead to challenges in the courts under human rights legislation.
The issue of compensation for those made redundant by the provisions legislation looked set to feature heavily in this afternoon's debate.
An amendment on the issue from Labour MSP for Clydesdale, Ms Karen Gillon, has won the backing of the Executive but was opposed by countryside groups and the Tories.
Ms Gillon's amendment would leave it to ministers to decide the level of compensation although the figures would have to be approved by Parliament.
Two other amendments insisting that compensation be fixed by external bodies have been introduced by Liberal Democrat MSP Mr Mike Rumbles and Tory MSP Mr Alex Fergusson.
PA