Ban leads to smokers ending habit

The smoking ban was introduced to Scotland six months ago

The smoking ban has led to a rise in the number of Scots trying to kick the habit, the health minister has said.

Andy Kerr marked six month of the ban on Tuesday in Edinburgh by meeting a group of Scots who have quit since the ban was introduced.

He said: "I've been really encouraged by the extremely positive response we've had for the smoking ban."

Calls to the Smokeline service, which gives advice on how to quit smoking, have hugely increased, Mr Kerr added.

So much of our poor health in Scotland is linked to smoking and I think this legislation will have a real impact on that in the long term Andy Kerr Health minister

Mr Kerr added: "People across the country are using the ban as an incentive to give up smoking.

"Others are simply enjoying the opportunity to go out and socialise without having to breathe in second-hand smoke.

"But it's in the years to come that I expect to see even bigger benefits.

"So much of our poor health in Scotland is linked to smoking and I think this legislation will have a real impact on that in the long term."

Limited social life

Among the guests at the event was Ellen Humphries, who lives in Glasgow with her 14-year-old son Richard, who is asthmatic.

Until six months ago, his condition meant the family were limited in their social life.

Ms Humphries said: "At big family occasions like weddings or birthday parties Richard could only go for a short while and then had to leave because of his asthma.

"Now we can go out and enjoy these things as much as anyone else."