The Scottish Government has been accused of a lack of transparency over its plans for land reform.

MSPs voted by 100 to 15 to back the general principles of the Land Reform Bill at Holyrood, but some members raised concerns that parliamentary scrutiny was being hindered by the slow response of ministers.

The legislation will end business rate exemptions for shooting and deerstalking estates, give communities a right to buy land to further sustainable development and make information on who owns land and its value more readily available.

It was rejected by SNP members at the party's October's conference on the basis that it was not radical enough.

Land Reform Minister Aileen McLeod was rebuked by Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick for failing to provide a response to the report of the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee (RACCE) on its scrutiny of the Bill in advance of the debate and vote.

The report, published on December 4, set out a series of recommendations to "enhance and strengthen" the legislation.

Labour MSP Sarah Boyack said she had been "genuinely shocked" and "deeply disappointed" to learn that the government's reply would not be available for the debate.

She said: "I do think it's unsatisfactory. It's an issue of transparency and accountability for the stakeholders and members of the public who have a huge interest in this legislation."

Ms Boyack said her party supported many aspects of the Bill, but the "drip feeding" of information from the government was a "major challenge" in the scrutiny process.

Conservative MSP Alex Fergusson said: "Would (the minister) accept that it does set us at a bit of a disadvantage when we have no clue as to the government's response to the stage 1 report?

"I'm disappointed she shows no sign of remorse whatsoever."

Mrs Marwick said: "The minister may wish to reflect on the handling of this situation which is both disappointing and not very helpful."

In response, Ms McLeod said: "At more than 140 pages, the committee's report provides substantial comment and recommendations and we are now giving very serious and careful consideration to the committee's recommendations across all parts of the Bill.

"I intend to submit our response to the committee shortly in line with the protocols agreed with this parliament. It is a job that we want to get right rather than rush."

The Bill will also reform the law on agricultural holdings, giving tenants a right to buy when a landlord is not fulfilling their obligations.

During its scrutiny the committee heard fears it could be open to challenge by landowners under European human rights legislation.

Mr Fergusson said his party supported much of the Bill, but could not back it unless the section relating to agricultural holdings was withdrawn and revisited in the next parliament.

He said: "There is a glorious prize to be won - a renewal of trust between landowner and tenant, a truly reinvigorated tenanted sector and a restoration of the tried, tested and traditional way into agriculture for young and new farmers alike.

"Surely that is worth more than any pre-election headline about landlords and tenants and the passing of a ill-thought out bill that is more than likely to end up in the European courts."

RACCE committee convener Rob Gibson said: "We share the government's vision for land reform in Scotland and support many of the measures in the Bill and the principles behind them, but the Bill needs to be strengthened and clarified to fully deliver the ambitions radical change many people want to see."