A fall in the number of young people smoking has been praised by a health charity.
The smoking rate among 16 to 24-year-olds dropped from 26.5% in 1999 to 22% in 2012 – ahead of a target set six years ago to reduce the rate to around 23% for this year.
Exposure to second-hand smoke has also fallen, and the number of 13 and 15-year-olds smoking is at its lowest level since records began, according to a report from the Ash Scotland charity.
There are just over 1million adult smokers in Scotland and the work of the NHS and other stop-smoking services has been praised for “exceeded performance targets”.
The Scottish Government is “committed to bold action” to reduce smoking rates and wants the country to be at the forefront of international efforts.
Legislation banning the display of cigarettes and other tobacco products in larger retailers came into force last year and will be rolled out to smaller retailers in April 2015. It follows the ban on smoking in enclosed public places, such as pubs, restaurants and almost all workplaces, since 2006. The government also plans to introduce plain packaging for all cigarettes.
Ash Scotland chief executive Sheila Duffy said: “This report shows we have much to be positive about. Most targets have been met, including large reductions in smoking rates among the key group of 16 to 24-year-olds.
“It’s a significant achievement and may be a reflection of the impact of measures such as the ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship, larger picture warnings on packets and raising the age of sale from 16 to 18. But our new analysis also highlights areas where we must up our game if we are to be successful in putting smoking out of fashion for the next generation.”
In deprived areas the smoking rate is 36% compared with around 23% across the country, the report says.
The number of women smoking during pregnancy has fallen to almost 19% – down from 25% in 2001.