The post mortem was carried out at Yorkhill hospital

The woman, from Dumfries, has raised the action against Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

The case is believed to be the first of its kind to reach court in Scotland.

It mirrors action announced on Monday by 2,000 families in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The baby girl was born in June 1995 with a congenital defect from which she died a few weeks later.

It is claimed that the mother was persuaded, against her initial wishes, to consent to a post-mortem.

'300 similar cases'

Her lawyer, Lyall Moodie, claims she was not told any organs would be removed and, if she had, she would not have allowed it.

During the operation the baby's brain was taken out but the mother did not find out until five years later.

Mr Moodie said the discovery has left his client distraught and led to psychological problems from which she is still suffering.

Up to 300 similar cases are being investigated in Scotland but this is thought to be the first to reach court.

Legal experts said the case could take two years to resolve.