Murdo Fraser MSP is supporting a campaign to destigmatise speaking about alcohol.
The Scottish Conservative politician recently met representatives from Drinkaware in the Scottish Parliament when he learnt more about the drinking habits of adults in Scotland.
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “It was very interesting to speak to Drinkaware, who were at Holyrood to talk about the findings from their latest Monitor report - a major annual survey of adult drinkers across the UK. I heard that while Scots drink less frequently than other adults in the UK, when they do drink, they are much more likely to drink to harmful levels.
“I was also told about some positive trends that have come to light, such as the reduction in the number of Scots who are drinking at home alone.
“Drinkaware told me that whilst two-thirds of Scottish drinkers believe their country as a whole has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, many of us do not believe our own relationship with alcohol is unhealthy. I am concerned at this and feel it would be better if many of us had a more open and honest debate about our relationship with alcohol.”
Mr Fraser continued: “I am aware that recent studies have showed that many of our younger generation are not drinking alcohol so much as previous generations and are turning instead to non-alcoholic drinks, which is commendable. In the past Scotland had an unhealthy association with alcohol but it is a very positive thing that organisations like Drinkaware are trying to encourage all of us to speak more openly about alcohol.”
