The Capital is supporting Organ and Tissue Donation Week 2026 which runs from 21-27 September.
The annual campaign raises awareness for the ongoing need for organ donation, whilst also encouraging people to make a decision about whether they wish to opt in or out of donation and making sure these wishes are discussed with family members.
This year the theme is “Don’t Leave your loved ones in doubt” which gives extra encouragement to people aged 16 and over to record their donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and to tell their loved ones too.
To raise awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation, the City Chambers will be lit up pink from 21-27 September.
Edinburgh Integration Joint Board Chair Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, said:
“In Scotland, everyone has a choice when it comes to organ and tissue donation – to be a donor, or to opt out. Research shows that over 1 in 3 people from the target audience are willing to donate but haven’t yet registered their decision. Now is the perfect time to encourage people to make their choice known.
“These are important conversations to have with family, friends, colleagues and within our communities. When families know a loved one’s wishes, they are more likely to support organ donation. It is also National Eye Health Week which spotlights the urgent need for people to make a decision about cornea donation. There is currently a shortage of donor corneas, and waiting lists are long.
“I’m encouraged that more than half of people in Scotland have now registered their decision about organ and tissue donation, many still haven’t. Whatever your decision may be, what matters most is that you make it, talk about it with those close to you and record it.
“I’d urge everyone to take two steps: record your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell your loved ones what that decision is. Anyone aged 16 or over who has yet to record their decision, visit the official website and do so today.”