FORMER Scotland international rugby hero Scott Hastings has backed plans to change Scotland's organ donation laws.

Scott, who was capped 65 times by his country, said he believed reform was necessary because of the discrepancy between the numbers waiting for a transplant and organs available.

The rugby star said a close friend had been waiting for a kidney transplant for a number of years.

He has backed a change to a soft opt-out system, which means that unless an adult had expressed an objection, their organs could be removed posthumously, although family would still be consulted.

Mr Hastings met with Glasgow Labour MSP Anne McTaggart at the Scottish Parliament, who is pushing forward a bill for the change on the back of the Evening Times' Opt for Life campaign.

He said "I was delighted to be able to meet with Anne and offer my support for her proposed Organ and Tissue Donation (Scotland) Bill.

"I'm aware that the number of people on the NHS organ donation register has steadily increased over recent years after concerted public awareness campaigns which is excellent.

"However, I was surprised to learn that, despite this, only 41% of Scots are on the organ donation register while 95% agree with organ donation in principle.

"Meanwhile, 38 people died in Scotland in 2013/14 alone as a result of a lack of available organs for transplant.

"For me, this shows that we need an urgent change of approach if we are to address the gap between supply and demand, and I agree with Anne that introducing a soft opt-out system is the best way forward.

"Organ Donation is a remarkable human gift that has the ability to ease pain and suffering, and I strongly believe that the available evidence shows that Anne's proposed bill will help increase donation rates and save lives and that's why I'm proud to support it."

Anne McTaggart MSP said "It's great to have Scott's support for my proposals.

"He is a Scottish sporting legend and sadly from his own personal experience knows how difficult it can be for individuals and their families who are waiting for a transplant.

"Having recently received cross-party support for my proposals, I'm looking forward to introducing my Bill to parliament and presenting the strong evidence in favour of a change to my fellow MSPs."