Hundreds have died from asbestos-related illnesses in Scotland

Clydeside Action on Asbestos said that while the courts were prepared to speed up the process, too few claims were settled while victims were still alive.

The pressure group is marking its 20th anniversary by drafting a bill to give equal weight to different claims.

Asbestos was commonly used in shipbuilding and heavy industry.

Last year, changes to the Court of Session's guidance said that where someone has a life expectancy of less than 12 months, the court should look with "considerable sympathy" on any application to resolve the case in a shorter timescale.

Mesothelioma attacks the lining of the lung or abdomen. It can cause a great deal of pain, and responds poorly to surgery and therapies.