Donation in Scotland

The legislative framework for deceased donation in Scotland is different to the rest of the UK in a number of important ways.

The resources in this section provide guidance on best practice for organ and tissue donation in Scotland, in line with the Human Tissue (Authorisation) (Scotland) Act 2019, and in keeping with all relevant professional practice guidelines.

Scottish donation legislation

An overview of the Scottish legislation specific to donation, including deemed authorisation, duty to inquire and pre-death procedures.

Read about the legislation in Scotland

Best practice in authorisation

The principles on this page apply across the UK, but use the terminology of the Scottish legislation to highlight how this may be used in practice.

Read guidance

Procurator Fiscal referrals

There are specific procedures to follow when seeking consent from a procurator fiscal for deceased organ or tissue donation to proceed.

Learn more

Tissue donation in Scotland

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) provides the dedicated 24/7 tissue donation service in Scotland.

Find out more

Donation and Transplantation Plan for Scotland

This plan for 2021-2026 sets out the Scottish Government's priorities for increasing organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

Read the plan

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