SOME of Scotland's leading sports pundits have backed a national campaign to get people talking about organ donation.

Alan Hansen, Charlie Nicholas, Dougie Donnelly, Alan Rough and Peter Martin have all put their support behind the drive by Organ Donation Scotland.

The campaign urges people to speak to their family and friends about their organ donation wishes.

BBC Match of the Day pundit and former Liverpool and Scotland player Hansen said: "Quite often, organ donation isn't something you even think about until you know someone directly affected by it. That's why this campaign is so important, because it will hopefully make people stop and take a minute to think about the subject.

Nicholas, the Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal, Celtic and Scotland footballer, said: "Transplants transform the lives of so many people every year thanks to the generosity of donors and their families. It's really important to understand the huge impact being a donor could have on someone's life."

Three people in the UK die every day whilst waiting on a lifesaving organ and almost 600 people in Scotland are waiting for life-saving transplants.

One donor can give up to seven people the chance of life.

Sports broadcaster Donnelly said: "I'm proud to be backing the organ donation campaign as it's such an important issue."

Former Scotland goalkeeper Rough, of PLZ Soccer.com, said: "There is no doubt in my mind that signing up for the organ donation register is something we should all partake in.

"Talking it over with all your family members and simply taking action to make sure your organs could benefit others and give someone a chance to live as full a life as you have, is something we should all be doing."

Martin, also of PLZ Soccer.com, said: "One chat with your partner or family could help save the lives of many others, so get chatting."