The bill was defeated by 69 votes to 57 following an emotional debate yesterday.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: ‘The Scottish Government notes the decision of the Scottish Parliament not to pass the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.

‘As this is a Member's Bill, the Scottish Government maintained a neutral position throughout, while providing detailed technical, legal and financial commentary to ensure the Bill would be workable in practice if passed, and working with the UK Government in relation to legislative competency issues.

‘The Scottish Government remains committed to ensuring that everyone in Scotland who needs it can access well-co-ordinated, compassionate and high-quality palliative and end of life care.'

MSPs voiced fears of people being coerced into an assisted death.

The Bill's proposals, tabled by Liberal Democrat Liam McArthur, included limiting eligibility to those with less than six months to live.

McArthur said: ‘This is not a conversation that is going away. For so long as dying Scots continue to suffer as a result of the lack of choice and safety afforded to them by the current law, I'm certain that it will be an issue in front of Parliament once more.'

A Bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales is being considered at Westminster.