Smoking Ban

Smokers will be asked to leave NHS grounds from today when lighting up.

It's part of a drive to prevent people from the effects of second hand smoke.

Signs are currently being displayed outside the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.

The Scottish Government has also consulted on making it a statutory offence to smoke in hospital grounds, as a possible measure to be included in the forthcoming Public Health Bill.

Maureen Watt, Minister for Public Health, said: "Smoke-free hospital grounds have been an ambition of this government for a number of years, and I’m pleased that this day has now arrived.

“Hospitals are places where people go for rest, recuperation and recovery, and it’s quite right that they should be smoke-free. I welcome all the hard work that has been put in by NHS boards around the country to lead by example and make this a reality.

“Tobacco remains the biggest cause of preventable death in Scotland, which is why we want to create a tobacco-free generation by 2034. Measures like smoke-free hospital grounds play their part in creating a culture change on tobacco, and discouraging people from taking up the habit in the first place.

“I’d appeal to all patients and visitors to respect the health of others, and wait until you’ve left the grounds before lighting up.”