Time to get tough with the danger of vaping harming our youth - Susan Dalgety

As that landmark birthday hovers into sight, I have changed my mind. The very thought of smoking a cigarette makes me want to throw up and I know that even if I recovered my taste for tobacco, it would severely damage my health and at my age even a mild chest infection can turn into something more serious.

I did fleetingly consider vaping. I was initially attracted by the idea of a vape with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, just like the old days. But really, there is nothing glamorous about sucking on a metal device filled with chemicals and artificial flavouring while sipping a double espresso.

And while research suggests vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes, they are far from risk-free. Vaping can cause high blood pressure, which in turn can lead to strokes and heart attacks.

And nicotine is a highly addictive drug, no matter how you ingest it, and is harmful to adolescent brain development, affecting a youngster’s impulse control.

In fact, I am coming round to the idea that vaping should be severely restricted, particularly for young people. According to Ash Scotland, the habit has tripled among 16-24 year olds in recent years, with 10 per cent of 15-year-olds using them. And there seem to be vape shops on every street corner, their garish window displays aimed directly at young people.

Last week, Lord Jack McConnell, the First Minister who introduced Scotland’s successful and life-saving smoking ban, called on the Scottish Government to work with other political parties to consider ways of reducing the use of vapes, particularly by young people.

He said that we need a “serious and engaged debate” on the subject. He said: “it should now be abundantly clear that action is needed to address the growth in vape use and the harm it is causing, especially to our young people.”

Over to you, John Swinney.