The head of Anglo-Scottish law firm McGrigors has put forward a proposal that could prevent the full implementation of ‘Tesco law’ in Scotland and heal a damaging rift over the future of the nation’s solicitors’ profession.

Managing partner Richard Masters wants the majority ownership of a legal business to remain with solicitors following the introduction of alternative business structures north of the border next year. The only exception would be where ­solicitors are in business with other regulated professionals, such as surveyors or accountants.

The change would prevent banks or supermarkets taking a majority stake in a law firm, as they will be able to do in England and Wales from October 2011.

Master’s motion will be heard at a special general meeting of the Law Society of Scotland, requisitioned by lobby group the Scottish Law Agents Society, which has spearheaded opposition to the creation of ABSs in Scotland.

The meeting was adjourned last month when the Society agreed to review its policy of support for ABSs following heated exchanges between different factions of the profession.

The Scottish schism over ‘Tesco law’ was laid bare last week when the 10,500-strong Society announced the result of a historic secret ballot on ABSs. Some 2,245 members voted in favour of the Society’s policy of supporting ABSs and 2,221 against – with a record turnout for a members’ referendum of 43%.