One in six public-sector organisations in Scotland is facing the threat of legal action amid claims they have failed to comply with a new duty to promote equality for disabled people.

A total of 45 public bodies have not yet produced a Disability Equality Scheme, according to a survey by the Disability Rights Commission.

The deadline for production of a scheme was in December. but the DRC warned that many bodies, including one local authority, three colleges and three national arts and cultural organisation, have not yet come up with a scheme.

It named Aberdeenshire Council, National Museums of Scotland, National Galleries of Scotland and Shetland and Kilmarnock and Coatbridge Colleges as among those which had failed to respond.

Several of the organisations said yesterday they were in the process of fulfilling their duties, but the DRC warned they could face legal action if they do not comply. It has written to each of the bodies demanding an explanation for the lack of action.

Adam Gaines, the DRC's Scotland director, said: "Ultimately, these public bodies could face enforcement action in the courts for their failure to produce a competent scheme.

"It is a real concern.

Scotland's one million disabled people have a right to expect equal treatment from providers of public services."

The Disability Equality Duty was introduced to bring an end to discrimination faced by disabled people because services such as housing, education and health fail to take their needs into account.

Mr Gaines said many of the public authorities, including those named in the survey, had carried out positive work to stop discrimination, but he said that the new duty was designed to accelerate change.

He added the further education sector was particularly problematic as two-thirds of the 47 colleges which did produce a scheme did not properly involve disabled people.

He said: "We're particularly concerned at the lack of buy-in from colleges, given the importance of further education in tackling disability inequality across Scotland, and their vital role in helping people get skills."

A spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council said work was under way with local disability groups and individuals to develop the duty, which will be ready for approval in April. National Galleries of Scotland said implementation of a scheme was scheduled for June, while National Museums Scotland said their disability equality scheme would be published next month.

A spokesman for Kilmarnock College said it already had a scheme in place, adding: "The college will be happy to supply further details of its scheme to the Disability Right Commission."

A spokesman for Coatbridge College said it was advising the DRC of its current scheme.

George Smith, director of Shetland College, said: "We believed we were covered by Shetland Islands Council's disability equality scheme. We now understand we need to have a separate statement."