Backing for drink pricing

SETTING a minimum price on alcohol is the only credible way forward to tackle Scotland's battle with the booze, an influential Edinburgh organisation has said.

The British Medical Association in the Capital emphasised it was crucial MSPs supported the move to outlaw cheap drink.

The NHS Lothian board area is considered one of the worst in the country, with tens of thousands exceeding the weekly recommended unit intake every week.

Dr Brian Keighley, BMA Scotland chairman, said: "So far none of the major opposition parties have brought forward credible alternatives."