SCOTLAND'S first out-of-hours phone line for lawyers is launched today.

The line will let solicitors delegate the tide of unpredictable work stemming from a recent landmark Supreme Court decision which means clients need 24-hour access to lawyers.

Some of Scotland's most senior solicitors have set up the dedicated contact line.

The move follows the controversial ruling by the UK Supreme Court last year that the Scots practice of holding suspects for six hours without access to a lawyer breached the European Convention on Human Rights.

Last week the Crown Office admitted the number of prosecutions abandoned as a result of the ruling is more than 1000.

Suspects now have to be offered access to legal advice once taken to a police station but this can be done over the telephone.

The new outsourcing business to be launched today – called ESTO – would mean solicitors would not have to keep their phones on round the clock and could help ease delays.

Explaining the system to lawyers, Solicitor Advocate John Scott, one of the seven directors, said: "ESTO's solicitors will provide advice, visiting your client where necessary, and will then report to you so you can take over the case when your client is taken to court.

"This should relieve you of the pressure of providing out-of-hours advice, while offering reassurance that your clients are being well advised and will not be lost to you. The initial contact with ESTO will be through an outsourced contact line.

"Where necessary, the solicitor will attend the police station to conduct a face-to-face meeting, or participate in an interview.

He added: "A comprehensive report will be issued in time for any court appearance, thus allowing you to be fully informed when discussing matters with your client."

The Glasgow Bar Association has previously warned the present duty lawyer scheme discriminates against female solicitors and lawyers suffering from disabilities who feel unable to participate as it requires them to go to police stations at any time of the day or night.

Mr Scott said the new delegation system would allow lawyers to regain control of their working hours, allowing them to concentrate on family life and court business safe in the knowledge clients in police custody will be properly and professionally advised.