Scotland's smoking ban 'improves health'

There has been a "significant" improvement in public health since smoking restrictions were introduced in Scotland last March, new research has found.

A study published on Monday showed a 17 per cent drop in the number of people admitted to hospital with heart attacks.

In the decade before smoking was prohibited in enclosed public spaces, the annual reduction of heart attacks had been just three per cent.

The Scottish government said the findings, which are to be discussed at a conference assessing the effectiveness of the ban, highlighted its "overwhelmingly positive effect".

Figures also showed that there has been a 39 per cent reduction in exposure to second hand smoke among 11-year-olds and non-smokers.

And it found the level of support for the restrictions among smokers increased once the legislation was in place.

Public health minister Shona Robison said: "This impressive research showcases the benefits of the ban to Scotland on the world stage."

She welcomed the international health experts who will attend the two-day conference in Edinburgh.

"More and more countries in Europe and across the rest of the world are now following suit by banning smoking in public places and I am proud that Scotland led the way in the UK," Robinson added.

"We want to continue the work to make Scotland a smoke-free society and that is why next month, subject to Parliamentary approval, we will be raising the age of cigarette sales from 16 to 18."