An SNP member of the Edinburgh parliament has launched a bid to "repatriate" the final appeals in Scottish civil cases from the House of Lords.

Adam Ingram launched a consultation on his Civil Appeals (Scotland) Bill on Wednesday, saying it would improve Scotland's legal system.

Claiming cross party support for the measure, he said that the final say in civil cases should rest with the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

Changes to the UK's legal system are already planned, with Westminster ministers planning to transfer powers from the House of Lords to a new Supreme Court.

"The legal profession has made it clear that in their view the consultation process in Scotland for the Constitution Reform Bill was entirely inadequate, with the implications for the Scottish legal system not being properly considered," said Ingram.

"Subject to this consultation I anticipate my bill’s proposals will better fit the needs of the Scottish legal system and is a more appropriate vehicle for reform taking account of the spirit of the devolution settlement."

The Scottish nationalist said his plans would also "correct an historical anomaly" which could damage the integrity and administration of Scots law.

"There is no question that the Scottish legal system can accommodate a final appeals route in Scotland for civil cases as it has always done for criminal cases," added Ingram.

"I hope this consultation will determine the future of the civil appeals process in Scotland and what form it will take."