Victims of undercover policing have claimed a review into the practice in Scotland is "designed to fail".

Justice secretary Michael Matheson ordered an independent review to be carried out by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) last year.

Matheson originally wanted the Pitchford inquiry, which is reviewing the practice in England and Wales, to be extended to Scotland but his request was refused by the UK Government.

Undercover officers based in England and Wales have been active in Scotland, including infiltrating campaign groups ahead of the 2005 G8 summit in Gleneagles.

One former officer, Mark Kennedy, visited Scotland 14 times during his service.

Victims from the Campaign Opposing Police Surveillance (COPS) have criticised Matheson for ordering the review without first consulting them.

In a letter to Matheson, the group say the review will be "devoid of any justice" and question the independence of HMICS due to "their closeness to those they are supposed to be investigating".

The group also says the review will "prioritise" the voice of police officers over victims.

One of the victims, Merrick Cork, said: "We're not dealing with suspicions or allegations but what the Metropolitan Police have admitted is an abuse of police power and a violation of human rights.

"This review is designed to fail, it's just police self-investigating the last few years of the abuses. Michael Matheson should explain how he thinks anyone could take his corrupt decision seriously."

Phil Gormley, Police Scotland's chief constable, served as the Metropolitan Police's Special Branch commander in 2006.

At the time the unit included the Special Demonstration Squad (SPDS), an undercover unit.

The SPDS was operational for forty years from 1968 to 2008, but the review will only examine from 2000 to 2016.

Another victim, Kim Bryan, said: "I am bitterly disappointed by the terms of reference set out for the HMICS review of undercover policing.

"It makes a mockery of the justice process if the review examining undercover policing in Scotland does not take into account the evidence of those that were spied on and as such I would seriously question its legitimacy."

The Scottish Government said the public can have "full confidence" in HMICS.

A spokeswoman said: "We continue to believe that a single inquiry across the UK would be the best option for a comprehensive and coherent investigation into these matters.

"As the UK Government has refused our request for this, we have directed HMICS to carry out an independent review of undercover policing in Scotland.

"The review will be essential in gathering facts about existing and historical undercover policing activities, over the period the Scottish Parliament has had responsibility in this area and will inform any future decisions we make.

"People can have full confidence that the HMICS review of undercover policing will be thorough and independent."

A spokesman for HMICS said it will engage with victims if they come forward despite the review not dealing with individual cases.

He said: "As highlighted in the recently published terms of reference, our strategic review of undercover policing in Scotland is not a public inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005, although it may inform future discussions as to the requirements for an inquiry into undercover policing in Scotland.

"The statutory powers of HMICS do not extend to the investigation of individual cases or complaints made against police officers or members of police staff involved in undercover policing operations in Scotland.

"Should anyone approach HMICS during our review with such a complaint, we will offer advice on where the complaint should be directed."

He added: "However, HMICS will be interested in any strategic issues or themes arising from these complaints and use this information to inform our scrutiny. Individuals may contact us through our website.

"HMICS will ensure that appropriate stakeholder consultation and engagement is undertaken as part of the review process to understand key issues and concerns."