CAMPAIGNING MSP Margo MacDonald has promised a far tougher fight in favour of an assisted dying Bill in this Parliamentary session, after assembling a worldwide panel in support of her plans.

An event at the Royal Society of Edinburgh brought together a panel as diverse as Dignitas founder Ludwig Minelli from Switzerland; Sir Graeme Catto, Emeritus Professor at Aberdeen; the widow of the late Tony Nicklinson; and Kirk minister the Rev Scott McKenna.

Strong contributions were made by representatives of the Right to Die movement across the world, with two former doctors from the Netherlands speaking of the need for GPs and hospital doctors to engage in the process.

Ms MacDonald's new Member's Bill proposes that a trained, "licensed facilitator", a so-called "friend at the end", would have to be present when someone is at the point of ending their own life.

Such a measure is primarily aimed at making sure any fatal medication is taken correctly. A facilitator could be a doctor, social worker or close friend but not a relative or anyone who stands to gain from the death.

Ms MacDonald said at the conference: "My last Bill took a nosedive because we were too close to an election and we were too nice, deciding not to get involved in the rough and tumble. This time will be different."

Rob Jonquiere of the World Federation of Right to Die Societies, representing 45 groups across the globe, said the issue had to be presented as one of human rights. "When you legalise this you will give Scots the opportunity to make choices," he said.

All argued that public opinion was moving in favour of individuals having rights when it comes to choices at the end of life.