BBC Scotland's Asad Ahmed reports

The move follows Tony Blair's announcement two weeks ago that he aimed to see the introduction of a bill to ban fox hunting in England in the next session of the Westminster Parliament, which is due to begin this autumn.

Failing that, space would be found in the following session, Mr Blair added.

Scotland has nine mounted packs, four hill packs and 28 fox destruction clubs.

Farmers excluded

Pro-hunt groups throughout the UK have promised to fight any legislation designed to curtail their activities.

In an acknowledgement of the need for pest control, the Scottish bill is expected to exclude farmers who will be allowed to kill foxes on their land.

Pro-hunt groups will resist the Bill

The animal rights group, Advocate for Animals plans to support the bill banning fox hunting packs.

From the beginning of next month the lobbying will increase as firm cross party support is sought for the bill with the aim of implementing a ban by next March.

If it goes ahead it will put pressure on Westminster quickly to bring in similair legislation south of the border.

MSPs are likely to be given a free vote on the issue.

Tory opposition

The Scottish Conservatives leader David McLetchie has said he will vote against a bill and he expected many of his 17 colleagues to do the same.

Alan Murray: "Fox hunting has a big following in Scotland"

The Chairman of the Buccleuch Hunt in the Borders, Alan Murray, said: "I can think of many more barbaric things that happen in this country that should be governed long before issues in the countryside.