YOUNG people would support a change to Scotland's transplant laws, a poll suggests.

The Scottish Youth Parliament has voted in favour of a move to a soft opt-out system of organ donation in Scotland, which the Evening Times is campaigning for. This means everyone is considered a donor but individuals have the right to 'opt out' of the system.

A consultation on the proposed Organ And Tissue Donation (Scotland) Bill, put forward by Glasgow MSP Anne McTaggart, will close on Thursday.

During the 55th National Sitting, which took place in Perth, 65% of Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) voted in favour of moving to a soft opt-out system, where families are still consulted about donation.

A motion supporting the move was initially passed in October 2011, but the decision was taken to vote on the policy again to ensure it remains a genuine reflection of the views of young people.

The Scottish Youth Parliament sits on a working group with other organisations, including the Evening Times, to inform the legislative process.

Louise Cameron, chairwoman of the Youth Parliament, said: "I am delighted members voted to renew our policy supporting a move to a soft opt-out system of organ donation.

"A substantial majority of the existing research shows countries that use a soft opt-out system have hugely increased donor rates which, in turn, save lives.

"We fully support the legislation being brought forward by Anne McTaggart and we will work to ensure the voices of young people are heard in relation to its development and passage through Parliament."

Under the Bill, anyone over the age of 16 would be eligible for automatic opt-in.

The current law in Scotland allows for a child over the age of 12 to consent to organ donation without parental consent, and this will remain the case even if this legislation is brought into force.

Wales will introduce an opt-out system of organ donation on December 1 next year.

To take part in the consultation see the website: www.annemctaggart.co.uk/ organ-donation-bill- consultation-launched

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk