By Steve Bargeton, political editor

MINISTERS ARE bracing themselves for a storm of protest over proposals to allow gay and unmarried couples to adopt.

It is widely expected that deputy education minister Euan Robson will break the news in Dundee today. The minister is delivering the keynote speech to the British Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) Scotland conference at Discovery Point.

In 2001 the Scottish Executive set up a review group to look at the question of widening eligibility for adoption.

It is understood the key recommendations of the group will be made known today and Mr Robson will signal the Executive’s thinking on the subject. A full consultation will then follow.

At present same sex and unmarried couples can be assessed for adoption, but under present rules only one partner can actually adopt a child.

If that partner dies, the surviving partner has no rights and the future of the child has to be decided in the courts.

It is understood ministers favour a change in the law which would allow same sex and unmarried couples to adopt a child jointly. Ministers are aware the plans will not be welcomed in some quarters.

The Scottish Parliament’s early days were overshadowed by a row over the repeal of Section 28 to allow the promotion of homosexuality in schools.

Last night Scottish Tory chief whip Bill Aitken said his party’s position was driven by the best interests of the child which meant race and age were important criteria for those hoping to adopt.

“But we recognise there are sectors of society that will feel same sex couples are not ideal,” he said. “We remain to be convinced that the best interest of the child is best served by same sex parents.”