Campaigners said they are “disappointed” that the Scottish Parliament’s Petition’s Committee has ended its consideration of the petition on adult adoption.

Nathan Sparling initiated the petition last year. He called on MSPs to enact changes to allow him to be adopted by his stepfather, Brian, something which cannot be done under Scots law.

Mr Sparling did not know his biological father and has changed his surname to his stepfather’s.

He said: “I am very disappointed in the news that the Petition’s Committee have decided to close my petition on adult adoption. I provided clear evidence that overcomes many of the ‘complexities’ that have been raised.

“Since I lodged the petition, hundreds of people across the UK have contacted me, and it is clear there is a desire far beyond mine for this law to change.

“As our families develop with the times, so must our laws. The very emotional testimony I have read over the last year from people has driven me to continue this work. It is a shame, therefore, that this is the end of the road for this particular part of the campaign.”