A SCOTTISH Government proposal to provide a named person for every child has been questioned by the professional body for solicitors.

The plan could interfere with families' right to respect for private and family life, and amounts to disproportionate state interference, potentially conflicting with human rights, according to the Law Society of Scotland.

The measure could also cause practical problems, with staff and services in areas such as social work, health and education being diverted away from where they are most needed, the society says.

Assigning a named person for every child from birth until 18 is proposed in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill.

The named person, such as a social worker or teacher, would be responsible for safeguarding the child's welfare and liaising with the family.

In its written evidence to Holyrood's Education and Culture Committee, the society argues the provisions could conflict with article eight of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Morag Driscoll, convener of the society's Family Law Committee, said: "The proposals could interfere with article eight of ECHR, the right to respect for private and family life, as there is scope for interference between the role of the 'named person' and the exercise of a parent's rights and responsibilities. It could be interpreted as disproportionate state interference."

A Government spokeswoman said: "We are confident the proposed legislation is compliant with European law."