Argyll and Bute Council has suspended its head of communications after she admitted setting up covert social media accounts to spy on the local authority's critics.

Jo Smith revealed the strategy in a presentation to a public relations conference in Glasgow.

The council has faced some harsh criticism on a number of its policies, including a programme to close a number of schools and a plan to sell off Castle Toward.

One of its most vociferous critics, the For Argyll news website, said Ms Smith's actions had "destroyed the council's reputation for ethical conduct in its communications operation" and called for her to be sacked.

It also said the council should disclose whether the spying strategy had been authorised by Ms Smith's superiors.

A spokeswoman for Argyll and Bute council said: "The council does not, nor ever would, condone the covert use of social media.

"A full investigation is under way and a member of staff has been suspended."