FRESH calls have been made to improve transplant rates with a system that would presume a person is happy to donate their organs after death.

The British Medical Association has re-iterated its support for an "opt out" system that means a person would have to specifically register their opposition to having their organs used.

There are 778 people on the transplant waiting list, with organs donated from just 70 people this year.

BMA's Scottish Council supports a "soft" system of presumed consent which would take into account the views of family members.

Dr Sue Robertson, a member of the BMA's Scottish Council, said: "As doctors it is difficult to see our patients dying and suffering when their lives could be saved or dramatically improved by a transplant."

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is "personally sympathetic" to a move to an opt-out system but feels better progress is needed in making improvements to the current system.