People are being encouraged to register their organ donation decision as part of Organ and Tissue Donation Week.

This year marks 30 years of the NHS Organ Donor Register, and NHS Borders is urging people to make their donation decision known and to share it with their families.

In Scotland, people aged 16 and over can choose to be a donor or to opt out.

If no decision is made, it is assumed they agree to be a donor unless they are in a group for whom the opt-out system does not apply, or it would be against their views.

Richard, from the Borders, who received a liver transplant in 2015, said: "I would never have been a grandpa but for the kindness and humanity of the donor and their family.

"They gave me a second chance at life."

Registering a decision and sharing it with loved ones is crucial, as nine out of ten families support organ donation if their loved one has confirmed their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Lynsey, also from the Borders, who received a liver transplant, said: "Anyone considering opting in on the register please do, it’s the biggest, most amazing gift you could ever give, transforms lives and gives families hope of a future that otherwise wouldn’t be possible."

Harriet Campbell, non-executive director and organ and tissue donation champion at NHS Borders, said: "Whatever your decision, please take the time to register it.

"Don’t leave your loved ones in doubt and give them the chance to honour your decisions.

"In the Borders, 92,862 people have registered their decision and you can help us grow that number.

"If you haven’t already, take this opportunity to have the conversation with family and friends and make your decision known.

"It could save a life."

In Scotland, around 600 people on average are waiting for an organ transplant.

However, only around one per cent of people die in a way that makes organ donation possible, which means every opportunity for donation is precious.