Plans to record contact between MSPs and lobbyists are being debated in parliament.

The Lobbying Bill aims to create a register of contacts who are paid to lobby Holyrood members.

Lobbyists will be forced to register if they have met or intend to meet MSPs and required to submit six-monthly accounts of lobbying activity.

The proposals have their origins in a Member's Bill lodged by Labour MSP Neil Findlay which received widespread support.

The government used its powers to adopt the proposals for its own bill, which departs in some respects from the recommendations of the SNP-dominated Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee which scrutinised the bill.

The bill debated on Thursday eschews the committee's call for a "light touch" approach, advocating criminal sanctions for breaches instead.

Mr Findlay was critical of the requirement for face-to-face communication to be the trigger for registration, insisting it dated the Bill "in the 18th and 19th centuries" as it fails to recognise modern forms of communication like the telephone and internet.

Speaking ahead of the debate, he said: "The SNP government's Lobbying Bill is a weak and very pale imitation of the bill I introduced to parliament.

"After taking over the bill the SNP Government dragged its heels before eventually launching their proposals a few months ago. What has been produced is extremely disappointing and represents a serious dilution of my original proposals."

Parliamentary business minster Joe Fitzpatrick said: "I am pleased the Bill received the committee's endorsement of the general principles of the Bill in their stage one report published recently.

"I look forward to the debate today and hearing member's views on the Bill at this stage.

"We will continue to review recommendations with a view to ensuring that the proposed register remains proportionate, simple and does not place an undue burden on organisations."

Holyrood researchers found "no accusations of inappropriate lobbying activities in Scotland", but said there remains a question of public transparency in the dealings between lobbyists and elected members and their officials following a series of lobbying scandals at Westminster.

MPs have been filmed or recorded offering or agreeing to use their position to influence policy on behalf of third parties in return for payment or party donations.

The most recent incidents cited by researchers include the Conservative co-treasurer Peter Cruddas' offer of access to the Prime Minister for an annual £250,000 donation in 2012 and former Tory MP Tim Collins' boasts about his public affairs company's access to ministers in 2011.