Dave Thompson MSP

SNP MSP Dave Thompson encourages thousands of smokers in Skye, Lochaber, Badenoch and across Scotland to participate in “No Smoking Day” this Wednesday March 13th.

Dave said “As a former smoker, I encourage everyone to use this day as a start to a life without smoking. I know it is tough to quit smoking, but this day allows people across Scotland to come together and hold each other accountable.

As a part of the campaign this year, smokers are being encouraged to focus on what they could afford to buy if they were to quit for a day (saving £7), a week (£49), a month (£210) and a year (£2,555).

Dave said “One of the biggest incentives for smokers to quit comes from considering the amount of money they spend on cigarettes and thinking about what themselves and their family could afford if they were to give up smoking for good.

“By adding up the exact amount of money that could be saved by quitting, smokers can work towards a tangible goal. Whether that goal is a new pair of shoes, a family trip to the cinema or a dream holiday; the benefits of quitting smoking are real."

Wednesday marks the 30th anniversary of No Smoking Day.

Around a quarter of Scots still smoke, but studies show that most would like to quit.

Dave said “I support the efforts and actions of the British Heart Foundation which help many Scots make their first steps towards a healthier, happier, smoke free life."

No Smoking Day, run by the British Heart Foundation, helped more than 760,000 people quit smoking last year and inspired another 1.5 million to seek out information to help them quit in future.