ASH Scotland

The final event of our Learning Week explores the topic of Smoking and Vaping in Pregnancy. We will have an evidence-based overview of the risks of smoking and vaping during pregnancy from a guest expert. Participants will also gain practical tools and insights into ASH Scotland’s new resources, and get the opportunity to explore strategies to support healthier pregnancies and smoke-free futures. If you want to book a spot, click here - https://bit.ly/4hZ94QZ

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) coming into force. The FCTC is the first ever public health treaty which provides a legal framework underpinned by international law, preventing tobacco industry impacting the development of health policies. ASH Scotland call on the Scottish Parliament to disregard tobacco industry attempts to influence progressive health policies. Our call comes on the back of the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee having twice invited tobacco industry connected submissions to its scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill Legislative Consent Memorandum in the last eight months. You can further explore the role the FCTC has played in keeping the tobacco industry at bay in our Learning Week event on Monday 10 March. Read more here - https://bit.ly/3Xd91Jl #FCTC20Years WHO FCTC Knowledge Hub for Article 5.3

Our Chief Executive, Sheila Duffy, was quoted in The Herald today giving ASH Scotland's response to tobacco industry connected views regarding the UK Government’s four-nations Tobacco and Vapes Bill which we see as "a landmark step towards eradicating the damage being inflicted by profit-centred multi-national corporations on people’s lives".   “The Scottish Grocers’ Federation is using well-rehearsed arguments about ‘illicit’ straight from the tobacco industry playbook for opposing product regulation. Illicit is a crime and should be dealt with as such, but the thrust of the Bill is to curb the widespread promotion of legally sold, health-harming and addictive commercial products. “Tobacco industry connected submissions to parliamentarians must be critically appraised and should not be permitted to interfere with the progression of public health policies. “The involvement of organisations with tobacco industry connections should be restricted to engagements that are only necessary for the implementation of the legislation at a point after the Bill has been passed, as their involvement before that stage would run contrary to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Article 5.3, which both the UK Government and the Scottish Government support.”

The countdown to No Smoking Day (Wednesday 12 March) is on! Get ready by downloading our digital toolkit, and share our social media assets to encourage people who want to quit smoking to achieve their goals. Get your community involved - https://bit.ly/4hF0EhF

Are you attending any of our Learning Week events? Take a look at 'Expanding SAFE Spaces', taking place on Thursday 13 March. This event will introduce SAFE (Smoke and Aerosol-Free Environments), the role they can play in reducing second-hand smoke harms to young people and reflect on the current legislation in Scotland. We'll hear from guest speaker Professor Sean Semple from University of Stirling who will speak about the prevalence of second-hand smoke in Scotland. With the Tobacco and Vapes Bill including SAFE, we dive into what the future of smoke and aerosol-free environments might look like in Scotland. Book your spot here - https://bit.ly/4k3IS9W

In response to the provision of free samples of nicotine pouches at a stand in Glasgow Central Station, our CEO, Sheila Duffy, said: “It is alarming to see the promotion of recreational nicotine products in locations which are highly visible to children and young people. “Recreational nicotine products such as pouches are not on a par with Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) that are available on prescription and therefore tested, monitored, quality-controlled and medicinally supervised as needed.   “We advocate that people looking for support to quit smoking should contact NHS Scotland’s Quit Your Way service for free person-centred specialist advice delivered by qualified health professionals who will only recommend prescription quit smoking aids that have an established evidence base.   “With nicotine addiction increasing amongst our young people, it is vital that the visibility and availability of nicotine products is tackled. ASH Scotland welcomes the strong measures in the UK Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill which proposes to restrict the advertising and promotions of nicotine pouches and vapes to protect the health of children now and of future generations.” Read more in the report.

No Smoking Day takes place on Wednesday 12 March 2025 - our social media toolkit is now live! This year's theme is 'Quit and Win', highlighting the numerous benefits of quitting smoking including improved health, fitness and mental wellbeing, and financial savings. To support our campaign, we've developed a comprehensive toolkit featuring social media assets, posts and resources designed to help you spread the word. By using these materials and getting involved, you can play a pivotal role in promoting a tobacco-free lifestyle within your community. Download our toolkit and join us on No Smoking Day in supporting those who are quitting and celebrate the victories that come with being tobacco-free. https://bit.ly/4hF0EhF #NSD25 #NoSmokingDay

I have had the privilege of working alongside Sheila Duffy for the past 10 years, the last 6 as a Board member and 3 as Chair of ASH Scotland. It is a remarkable milestone to mark at the heart of tobacco control in Scotland and Sheila has been an unwavering advocate in promoting health and tackling the impact of tobacco and related products in Scotland. It was great to see the congratulations at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday from all sides of the political spectrum and for the Minister to recognise her in her remarks.

Our Chief Executive, Sheila Duffy, was delighted to be thanked for her 30 years of service for ASH Scotland by our Chair David McColgan and Jenni Minto MSP, The Scottish Government's Minister for Public Health and Women's Health, at British Heart Foundation Scotland's parliamentary reception this week. #ASHScotland #TobaccoControl #PublicHealth #ThirdSector #Charity #Scotland

Every journey to quitting smoking has it's own unique motivations. Whether it was a moment of determination, through support of loved ones, or a hard-earned lesson from past attempts—your story has the power to inspire and encourage others to take that first step. When it comes to quitting, people can be overwhelmed at first, thinking "it’s too late, too difficult" or "I won’t succeed". They can be unsure of how to start. But real stories—stories of challenge, perseverance, and success—can be the positive approach people need. By sharing your experience, you could give someone the inspiration they need to believe quitting is possible. Maybe they’ll recognise their own struggles in your words, and take action today instead of waiting. We know that quitting is one of the best things anyone can do for their health, wellbeing, and future. And we want to highlight the voices of those who have decided to change their lifestyle and made it through. If you’ve quit smoking, what helped you the most? What do you wish you had known before? What would you say to someone who is struggling to take that first step? Tell us more here - https://bit.ly/3Us0CS7