The Scottish Government must rethink its plans to reform the governance of universities because they could do "untold damage" to the sector, according to the Conservatives.

The party branded measures contained in the Higher Education Bill as "unnecessary, un-evidenced and completely unacceptable" during a debate at Holyrood.

The proposed legislation includes a requirement for university chairs to be appointed in line with an agreed, consistent process, with ministers planning on using this to introduce elections for these positions.

The Bill, if passed, would also make sure staff, students and trade unions are all represented on university governing bodies, and would strengthen the current definition of academic freedom.

But there have been concerns about the impact of the changes on universities' autonomy.

There are also fears that universities could be reclassified as public-sector bodies, jeopardising millions of pounds of investment, the Tories said.

The Scottish Government has rejected the claims.

Tory young people spokeswoman Liz Smith said: "However much the Scottish Government protests, this Bill, as it stands just now, expressly gives ministers the powers to amend universities' constitutions by altering the composition of their governing bodies.

"Treasury guidance on sector classification makes it clear there is a risk, even if ministers do not themselves appoint the members of the governing body.

"The Scottish Government tells us repeatedly that this is not its intention. It has no desire to expand ministerial control or to insist that universities become public-sector bodies."

She added: "It doesn't matter how many times we ask for the back-up evidence to support everything they have said, it is simply not there. That is the crucial problem.

"I repeat the call for the Scottish Government today to commit to removing those sections of the Bill which have so clearly alarmed so many in the sector, and which if they were allowed to proceed would do untold damage to the viability of the sector."

Education Secretary Angela Constance insisted the Bill will create greater transparency and openness in higher education.

She said: "This Bill will not advance ministerial control, affect universities' autonomy and presents no threat to their financial wellbeing.

"Neither will it undermine the position of rector at our ancient institutions. We have been clear on that point since the outset.

"It will ensure institutions are more inclusive, enabling every voice on campus to be heard - helping students and staff to be more involved in making decisions.

"We would always seek to avoid any risk of re-classification of higher education institutions as public sector bodies by the Office for National Statistics - the Bill's provisions do not increase that risk."

Ms Constance continued: "Where there is scope to alleviate concerns, concerns that I don't accept, but nonetheless, where there is scope to refine ... and make improvements, we will indeed take the opportunity to improve those aspects of the Bill."

Labour opportunity spokesman Iain Gray said the Bill would allow ministers "to exercise undefined powers for an unknown purpose through regulation".

"It is these powers and that lack of definition which has raised concerns, firstly about the degree of control ministers seek and consequently the heightened risk it involves of ONS (Office for National Statistics) reclassification which would jeopardise the finances of the universities.

"The Scottish Government need to fix this and soon.

"It is not fixed through bland assertions from the minister that they will not over-reach the powers of control.

"It is not enough for ministers not to have the intent to interfere - the legislation needs to be clear that they do not have the power to interfere."