Smoking Milestone

The number of adult smokers in Scotland has fallen below one million.

According to figures, 21% of people surveyed last year said they smoked, that's down by 4% on 2012.

However, Fife still has one of the highest smoking rates in the country.

ASH Scotland Chief Executive Sheila Duffy said:

"This is a landmark moment - fewer than a million adults in Scotland are now smokers.
 
"When ASH Scotland was founded 41 years ago the smoking rate was more than double the current 21% figure.
 
"But hard work and a range of key health initiatives have helped increasingly to put tobacco out of fashion.
 
"We must continue this drive to ensure that Scotland reaches our goal of achieving a tobacco-free generation by 2034.
 
"The adult smoking rates represent an achievement, but there is more work to be done to reduce children's exposure to tobacco smoke.
 
"The new figures show that 11% of children report they are exposed to second-hand smoke in the home. A new target has been set to reduce that figure to 6% by 2020.
 
"A Scottish Government campaign highlighted the issue this year, but the focus on reducing children's exposure to second-hand smoke must continue, we owe it to the next generation."