A leading environmental campaigner has been appointed as Scotland's new freedom of information commissioner after stormy scenes in parliament.

The nomination of Kevin Dunion, the chief executive of Friends of the Earth, had been recommended by a selection panel.

A motion to the full parliament sought an endorsement of the decision - but this was opposed by Scottish National Party MSP Duncan Hamilton, one of the panel members.

I feel strongly about freedom of information Kevin Dunion

However, the appointment was eventually approved by 91 votes to 15 with 14 abstentions.

Mr Dunion, 47, said he was "honoured" to have been put forward for the post.

"I have enjoyed immensely the past 11 years with Friends of the Earth Scotland and the privilege of leading Friends of the Earth International," he said.

"It takes something special to attract me away. I feel strongly about freedom of information and throughout my time here have actively promoted improved public access to information.

"I look forward to the opportunity of ensuring the intention of parliament is carried into effect by Scottish public bodies."

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The post has been created as part of new freedom of information legislation passed by MSPs in April.

Its purpose is to champion the cause, ensuring that bodies such as councils, health boards and government agencies open their files to the public.

The cross-party panel of MSPs was split four-three in Mr Dunion's favour after seeing five shortlisted candidates.

The other members of interview panel, chaired by Presiding Officer Sir David Steel, were Tory Glasgow list MSP Bill Aitken, Labour backbencher Cathy Craigie and Lib Dem Iain Smith.

What we are doing today is disgusting Brian Fitzpatrick Labour MSP

Such panels were set up to remove decisions on appointing such watchdog figures from ministerial involvement and party politics.

On previous occasions, panels have made a unanimous recommendation for MSPs to back the nomination, even when they had privately disagreed.

However, Mr Hamilton said he was against the motion as he refused to be "party to a false consensus".

"The fact is that if we couldn't agree as an interview panel whether to appoint Mr Dunion or not... I would suggest that it's right and proper for parliament to look again," he said.

He and fellow SNP panel member Christine Graham said they believed another candidate had been more suited to the job.

'Witch hunt'

During the acrimonious exchanges, they were accused by MSPs from other parties of potentially putting off candidates for other public posts.

Labour backbencher Brian Fitzpatrick said the SNP was conducting "a witch hunt" and claimed: "What we are doing today is disgusting."

But Ms Grahame accused Mr Fitzpatrick of "misguided and spiteful" remarks and said she was opposing the nomination "with great regret".

Mr Aitken said he had also opposed Mr Dunion's nomination, but was "bound" by the majority verdict of the panel.

"The matter before the house today is quite simply whether or not we accept the majority vote of the committee," he said.

"I would suggest that on the basis that that was the majority vote, that the house has really got to adhere to it."