The biggest ever inquiry in Scotland will result in a two-tier system for child abuse survivors, according to victims' groups.

Campaigners made the claim after meeting Education Secretary Angela Constance yesterday, with one saying it had 'not been pleasant.'

They were angry over her refusal to extend the scope of the inquiry to include people who were abused as children in non residential settings such as schools, church parishes and nurseries.

However, others said progress had been made.

Andi Lavery, of White Flowers Alba, which represents those abused while in the care of the Catholic Church, said Ms Constance had been unwilling to discuss many of the issues being raised.

He said she could not explain why victims of abuse in non-residential settings would not be covered.

"Victims of Catholic abuse are excluded," he said "It is a disgrace. I don't think it is bigotry, but I feel discriminated against."

But plans to lift the time bar, which currently prevents most abuse victims from taking civil actions against their alleged abusers, will not help anyone abused before 1964, under a law known as prescription.

Ms Constance told the groups the legal barriers to changing the time bar were difficult to overcome.

Helen Holland, of In Care Abuse Survivors Scotland said there should be no distinction for child abuse victims just because they did not live in the care setting where the offences happened.

She added: "If the inquiry doesn't hear from people abused in the parish setting, it is denying them the right to participate.

"Lifting the time bar will not help people abused before 1964. We are going to end up with a two tier justice system. This should cover all of Scotland's abused children."

Plans to initiate legislation to remove the bar before the end of this parliamentary session have been welcomed by victims.

However, Ms Holland had been unwilling or unable to change the terms of the inquiry to include victims of child abuse who are not currently covered. "It was not a pleasant meeting. I think Ms Constance answered as much as she could," she said.

Labour MSP Graham Pearson said he sympathised with their concerns.

"The minister was unable to explain why the inquiry's scope had been limited and I think she has to revisit that," he said.

"It is difficult to explain to a survivor that their evidence cannot be heard by the inquiry if their abuse did not take place in residential care. It sends the message that they are not worth as much. It shouldn't matter if you have been abused whether it was residential or otherwise."

He said it was important to learn from what had happened in the past, "Since the inquiry was launched, more than £1million has been spent and not a single hearing has yet taken place," he added

The risk of delay is the main reason the Scottish Government has given for not extending the inquiry's remit.

Ms Constance said: "The inquiry must be sufficiently focused to make clear and meaningful recommendations that will avoid a repeat of the systemic, institutional failings that saw children abused by the very individuals who were entrusted by the state and others to care for them."