The Scottish executive is to consider a ban on smoking in public places.

As part of their Tobacco Action Plan, ministers will consult the public about the possible clampdown.

The executive is attempting to tackle high rates of cancer north of the border.

Scotland has around 13,000 tobacco-related deaths each year and suffers from the highest smoking rates in the UK.

Deputy health minister Tom McCabe said he was prepared to consider radical action.

"We want to see a society in which everybody aspires to live a healthy, smoke-free life and has access to the support that can help them realise this ambition," he said.

"A smoke-free Scotland may be a long-term vision but it is a vision that demands our action."