Smokers get help to stub out the cigs

Smokers are being urged to give cigarettes the flick as part of their New Year resolutions under a new national campaign being launched today.

Supermarket giant Asda has joined forces with the Scottish Government to encourage the Capital’s 87,267 known smokers to kick the habit.

Community engagement teams will be visiting four locations across Edinburgh and the Lothians from January 23-26.

Customers will be able to take lung ageing and carbon monoxide tests at the roadshow visits, with calendars designed to help smokers quit also 
available.

A cost calculator will be provided at participating pharmacies to show smokers how much they are spending on cigarettes.

Campaigners estimate those able to give up their 20-a-day habit can save an average of £50 a week – enough to feed a family of four for seven days.

The support visits start at Asda pharmacy in The Jewel on January 23, continuing at the Gyle shopping centre, Cameron Toll and Livingston’s Almondvale centre over subsequent days.