A consumer watchdog's complaint which claims Scots are not getting sufficient access to affordable justice and legal representation has been condemned by a top solicitor.

Solicitor advocate Frank Maguire rejected claims by Which? that the current regulation of Scottish legal firms is hindering competition in the market, restricting choice and pushing up the price.

Writing in the latest edition of legal magazine The Firm, Mr Maguire, senior partner at Thompsons Solicitors, said the provision of legal services should not be governed by consumer law.

"Try telling families of the Stockline disaster, the recent tugboat tragedy on the Clyde, the husband of the family wiped out in a car accident from diesel spillage or someone dying from an industrial disease or infected with blood products that they are consuming justice.

"They are consuming nothing," he said.

"Their right to justice is the same as their right to education and health and it is the duty of society to uphold that right."

Under changes proposed south of the border, banks and supermarkets will soon be able to join forces with law firms to provide legal services.

But Which? says there has been little impetus for exploring, let alone implementing, alternative ways of doing business from the legal profession in Scotland.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has upheld calls by Which? for a reform of the legal services market in Scotland, saying that the current regulatory regime is "restrictive" and harmful to consumers.