THE pressure to change Scotland's organ donation laws is growing with more than 7000 people adding their names to the petition backing the Evening Times' campaign.

We are now well over halfway to meeting our 10,000 target with months to go before the petition is presented to the Scottish Parliament.

Our Opt For Life campaign aims to change Scotland's organ donation laws to help doctors perform more life-saving transplants.

We want the law changed so that everyone would be assumed, on their death, to be an organ donor, unless they had refused permission during their lifetime.

This is known as an opt-out system.

Dozens of European countries already have this system in place and research shows, in the vast majority of cases, it has led to significantly higher donor rates.

It is thought an opt-out system would address the discrepancy between the level of public support for organ donation – estimated at 90% in UK – and the low uptake for the donor register.

Major celebrities have pledged their support for our campaign including Scots movie star Robert Carlyle, presenter Lorraine Kelly as well as major charities including the British Heart Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

It has been given solid backing by Kidney Research UK Scotland and the charity's army of volunteers.

Around 700 people in Scotland are waiting for a kidney transplant.

The charity has been busy promoting the petition amongst local groups, firms, hospitals, universities and GP surgeries across the central belt.

Major companies including the Body Shop have also pledged their support.

We are now calling on more Evening Times readers to help us make sure we smash our 10,000 signature target.

The petition will be presented to the Scottish Government when the Opt For Life campaign ends later this year.

Tony Carlin, editor of the Evening Times, said: "This is yet another landmark in our Opt For Life campaign.

"Too many people in Scotland die or have their quality of life impaired because of a shortage of suitable donors.

"A switch to an opt-out system would change all that.

"We firmly believe the public of Scotland believe this is something which should be changed - and changed now.

"Scotland has led the way on a series of health initiatives in recent years, most notably on the smoking ban.

"This is another way in which our nation can lead the way and offer the ultimate gift - the gift of life, to hundreds of sick and desperate people."

A number of UK-wide surveys have indicated growing public support for a shift to presumed consent for organ donations.

The most recent and comprehensive survey was carried out in 2008 by the Organ Donation Taskforce.

Participants were polled at the beginning of the event and again after hearing arguments for and against from a panel of experts.

Before the event 65% supported a change in legislation. After receiving information it was 72% in favour of a change.

Wales is preparing to introduce an opt-out system in 2015.

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk

n October 25, 2011:

The launch of our Opt For Life campaign calling for a switch to a system of presumed consent for organ donation in Scotland, known as an opt-out system.

n October 28: The campaign receives the backing of the British Medical Association and charities, including the British Heart Foundation, Kidney Research UK and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

n November 4: Scottish celebrities including television presenter Lorraine Kelly, football pundit Alan Hansen and cycling champion Graeme Obree add their backing.

n December 28: A poll by the Evening Times shows seven out of 10 Glasgow councillors are supportive of presumed consent.

n February 1: Research shows half of MSPs would support a change in organ donation laws.

n March 6: Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who is also Scottish Health Secretary, pays tribute to the Evening Times for its "powerful" campaign.

n June 17: Movie star Robert Carlyle, right. becomes the latest big name to back our petition.

Kidney patients, their families and friends.

Scott Winter, Kidney Research UK supporter.

Other Kidney Research UK supporters and volunteers.

Glasgow Caledonia University,

University of Glasgow.

Mister Singh's restaurant.

Wishaw Hospital,

Victoria Infirmary,

Yorkhill Hospital,

Royal Infirmary,

Gartnavel Hospital, Monklands Hospital,

Hairmyres Hospital.

Kimberley Bar,

Trader Joe's,

Cathedral Bar.

WHSmiths (Glasgow branches).

Glasgow Housing Association.

Glasgow Taxis.

Body Shop.

Kwik-Fit insurance.

Sky, Uddingston.

Various schools.

Mearns Castle Golf Course. Westerwood Golf Course, in Cumbernauld.

Karen Berry Cakes.

Morrisons.

Tesco.

Various solicitors.

Various banks.

G12 Dance Group, West End