THE majority of Scots would support a shift to an opt-out transplant system, a new poll shows.

Nearly six in 10 (57%) adults said they were in favour of the change to help save more lives, and 94% backed the principle of organ donation.

Around 7000 people in the UK are waiting for an organ transplant - almost 600 in Scotland.

The poll was carried out by British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland and British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland.

Marjory Burns, Director at BHF Scotland, says: "I'm heartened to learn that nearly six in 10 people support a change in the law.

"Under the new system you would still have a choice whether to donate your organs or not.

"I believe a soft opt-out system would also encourage all of us to speak to our nearest and dearest about our views on organ donation."