Farms are to be visited where workers were said to have "punched, stamped and beat" animals.

Scottish SPCA inspectors are to visit several farms across Scotland accused of the abuse.

The ill-treatment allegedly happened at seven farms in Midlothian, six in the Borders, three in Fife, West Lothian and South Lanarkshire as well as one in Dumfries and Galloway and East Lothian.

Workers in the footage are said to have struck terrified sheep in the face with electric clippers, slammed their heads into the floor as well as beating and kicking them while throwing them off shearing trailers.

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: "We can confirm we will be launching a full investigation into the alleged animal abuse at wool farms across Scotland.

"This investigation will involve visiting multiple farms."

PETA Asia, which is conducting a worldwide investigation, said the footage obtained by the eyewitness highlights "just some of the cruelty" at 24 sheep farms toured by shearers from a shearing contractor earlier this year.

Senior vice president Jason Baker said: "After exposing cruelty within the English wool industry, we've found the same horrifying abuse of sheep at farms in Scotland.

"Everywhere that eyewitnesses from PETA Asia and its affiliates go - from Australia and the US to South America and now the United Kingdom - they see the same disturbing behaviour.

"The production of all wool - no matter where it originated or what 'ethical' or 'responsibly sourced' claims are made on its label - spells extreme suffering and death for millions of gentle sheep and lambs."