The news is welcomed by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), which says that the bill will bring much needed reforms and provide the basis for effective regulation of charitable activity in Scotland.

Jane Ryder, chief executive of OSCR, said: “I am extremely pleased that after all the consultative work and preparation that has already gone into producing this bill, it has now been confirmed that the Executive plans to bring it before Parliament in this coming session.

"There is enormous support for this bill among charities as it will improve their operating environment and build public confidence in the sector. Placing the regulator on a new statutory footing and introducing the requirement for OSCR to grant charitable status and to register and monitor charities will enable us to carry out effective regulation into the future.”