Neil Stevenson, SLCC chief executive, said: “When the minister responded to the Roberton review’s recommendations, she said she hoped to build consensus, where possible, on the way forward prior to deciding on a course of action.

“The continued polarised debate over the past two and a half years suggests this is unlikely. Some may also question if it is desirable. The compromise legislation on legal regulation delivered in 2007 and 2010 has ultimately failed to tackle criticisms of the current system, and could be said to have made things more complicated and costly in the pursuit of consensus.

“In response to this consultation we expect to see a growing momentum and a building evidence base for change. Drawing on experience here in Scotland and beyond, we believe many responses will suggest that bold reform is not only the best way to create a modern, forward-looking legal services regulation framework for Scotland, but that it is the only way.

“Anything less is likely to simply prolong this polarised debate until the current system becomes untenable. That is why our response, along with many others from across the legal services landscape in Scotland and beyond, will urge the minister to grasp the thistle and bring forward the bold but necessary reform that her independent review recommended.”