SCOTLAND’S smoke-free legislation has “radically” improved people’s health, an expert has said, 15 years on from the day it was introduced.

Dr Sean Semple, of the University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health, said the laws – introduced on March 26, 2006 – transformed culture and encouraged many smokers to reduce their tobacco intake or stop altogether.

He added that banning smoking in enclosed public spaces has also protected non-smokers, with a marked reduction in those found to have breathed in second-hand smoke.

“Ahead of the legislation being introduced, many felt that major change of this kind was extremely difficult to successfully implement – perhaps even unachievable – however, 15 years on, it is important to reflect on how this has quickly become the ‘new normal’.

“A generation of children has grown up having not experienced high levels of second-hand smoke pollution in public spaces, such as public transport and hospitality venues, while the country’s workforce can now enjoy smoke-free working environments – protecting health and ultimately saving lives.”

The National: Dr Sean Semple was pleased with the resultsDr Sean Semple was pleased with the results

Semple said the success of the legislation is reflected in the most recent data from the Scottish Health Survey, which shows that more than four in every five non-smokers have no detectable cotinine – a marker of breathing in nicotine – in their saliva. Back in 2003, that figure was closer to just one in five.

Sheila Duffy, chief executive of health charity ASH Scotland, said: “This year marks the 15-year anniversary of Scotland’s smoke-free legislation – a landmark piece of public health policy that made Scotland a world-leader in the fight against the harms caused by tobacco.

“Since it was introduced, the intended health benefits have been achieved and surpassed, as demonstrated by University of Stirling academics.”

She added: “While the success of smoke-free public places reminds us of how far we have come, it is important not to lose sight of how far Scotland still has to go to achieve its ambition of creating a tobacco-free generation by 2034.

“Tobacco remains the biggest cause of preventable ill health and death in Scotland. Smoking rates are stubbornly high in Scotland’s most deprived communities and far too many children continue to be exposed to second-hand smoke in their homes.”