The legislation, which is in two parts, makes changes to current law relating to bail and to the arrangements for the release of some prisoners and the support provided.

Responding to its publication, Stuart Munro, convener of the Law Society of Scotland Criminal Law Committee, said: “This is an important bill which aims to deliver improvements to current arrangements around bail and release from custody.

“The bill comes at a critical time. The current backlog in the courts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, has led to people being held in custody for longer periods as they wait for their case to come to court. This is a shorter-term issue that must be addressed, while considering the longer-term goals of the bill and the need for appropriate public protections while introducing measures that will improve outcomes of those leaving prison and reduce repeat offending.

“We will consider the bill in detail and take the opportunity to comment as it progresses through the Scottish Parliament.”