Controversial plans to appoint a specific guardian for every child have been branded a “snooper’s charter” by a former Church leader.
The Rev Dr John Ross, a former moderator of the Free Church of Scotland from Drumnadrochit, said plans to have a named person for every youngster were “the sort of thing we would expect in a fascist or Marxist regime, not in 21st- century Scotland”.
He added: “The Scottish Government now seems intent on hijacking the legitimate rights and duties of parents to bring up their own children free of state interference.” He is one of seven Free Church figures, including current moderator the Reverend Angus Howat and five other former moderators, who have written to First Minister Alex Salmond, urging him to amend the legislation.
The proposals are contained in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill, which is expected to gain its final approval at Holyrood next week.
The bill proposes that a named person, such as a health worker or a head teacher, would be responsible for safeguarding a child’s welfare and liaising with their family.
The Law Society of Scotland has already warned it could conflict with human rights.
A Scottish Government spokesman said the move was aimed at offering families early support, “to help prevent emerging concerns becoming more acute”.
He added: “Parents are the best people to bring up their children but, sadly, not all children come from safe, secure and loving homes.
“These plans – backed by teachers, health workers and other childcare professionals – aim to promote the wellbeing of all of Scotland’s children, including protecting vulnerable young people who may be experiencing difficulties or be at risk of neglect or abuse.
“To be clear, the named person cannot require parents to bring up children in a certain way.”