Perthshire smokers urged to kick the habit in 2010

Jan 5 2010 by Katy Gordon, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

PERTHSHIRE residents are being urged to quit smoking in 2010 as the Scottish Parliament prepares to pass ground-breaking anti-smoking legislation.

The latest statistics show 3,257 quit attempts were made in Tayside in 2008/09 with 952 people managing to kick the habit.

But Public Health Minister Shona Robison hopes that even more smokers will make 2010 the year they stub out smoking for good.

Meanwhile, moves are continuing to make cigarettes less attractive and less available, especially to young people.

The Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill is expected to complete its passage through the Scottish Parliament later this month.

The bill will ban sales from cigarette vending machines and introduce a display ban on tobacco products in shops.

Ms Robison said: “Quitting smoking is the biggest single thing anyone can do to improve their health. So I hope as many people as possible in Tayside will make 2010 the year they give up for good.

“There’s a comprehensive range of NHS smoking cessation help available.’’