Alcohol and cigarette experts plan summit

A MAJOR summit bringing together experts in alcohol and cigarettes is to take place in the Capital later this month.

The event, organised by Edinburgh anti-smoking charity ASH Scotland and Alcohol Focus Scotland, is planned for March 15.

Experts said it would be the ideal opportunity for the two issues to learn something from each other, as both pose a major challenge to public health in Scotland.

ASH chief executive Sheila Duffy said: "Both alcohol and tobacco have contributed hugely to Scotland's widening health inequalities gap.

"With alcohol and tobacco having so much in common in the harms they cause, ASH and Alcohol Focus are hosting this summit so we can listen to the experiences from each sector and learn lessons."