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Unmarried couples, including same sex couples, could be allowed to adopt in Scotland under changes to the law to be legislated on next year.

The move is one of a list of recommendations put forward by the Adoption Policy Review Group to overhaul Scotland's adoption system following a dramatic fall in the number of adoptions from 1000 a year 20 years ago to 400 a year today.

Another key recommendation is the introduction of new permanence orders, intended to give long-term stability to children who cannot live with their birth families but for whom adoption is not the best option.

The group has also recommended a relaxation of the current provision banning birth parents from applying to court for access to an adopted child.

Deputy education minister Euan Robson promised a consultation paper this summer based on the recommendations, which have been overwhelming accepted by the Scottish executive in principle, to be consulted on over a four-month period. This would be followed by legislation "at the earliest opportunity next year".