STEWART Maxwell MSP visited the headquarters of ASH Scotland to hear about the charity’s on-going efforts to stub out smoking.

Mr Maxwell, who introduced a Bill in parliament that paved the way for the ban on smoking in public places, presented a cheque for £75 to chief executive Sheila Ms Duffy and praised the actions taken by ASH Scotland to reduce tobacco-related harm.

Mr Maxwell said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to support the work of ASH Scotland which has campaigned tirelessly to improve public health in Scotland.

“I’d like to thank Sheila Duffy for meeting with me to discuss the progress made in changing attitudes to smoking in Scotland, especially amongst young Scots.

“It’s almost ten years since the ban on smoking in public places was introduced in Scotland. We’re now seeing a number of positive public health benefits as a result of protecting people from the harm caused by second-hand smoke.”