685,000 Scots who smoke are urged to ‘Quit and Win’ on No Smoking Day
12 March 2025
The 685,000 Scots who smoke are being urged to make attempts to quit tobacco on No Smoking Day to win better physical health, mental wellbeing and personal finances.
The call comes from health charity ASH Scotland, Public Health Scotland (PHS) and the Scottish Government as part of the 2025 national ‘Quit and Win’ No Smoking Day campaign promoting the free personalised stop smoking support available from the specialist Quit Your Way Scotland services run by NHS Scotland.
The campaign is highlighting that an average smoker who gives up tobacco could save £3,332 within 12 months and increase their opportunity to live a healthier life through improving mental health and decreasing the risks of developing coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia and some cancers.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Most people in Scotland who give up smoking do so without quit aids but for those who need support, nicotine replacement patches, gums or lozenges that are backed by established evidence and safety controls can help your chances of success, along with free expert health advice from Quit Your Way services.
“Two thirds of adults who smoke wish they had never started, and leaving tobacco behind on No Smoking Day is the best thing you can do to improve your physical health and mental wellbeing, and to save money that could go towards buying something special.”
Jenni Minto MSP, Minister of Public Health and Women’s Health, said: “Smoking causes huge harms to individuals, their families and loved ones and has wider impacts on the NHS and society. I would encourage anyone considering stopping to make use of our free national smoking cessation service, Quit Your Way Scotland.
“Health inequalities caused by smoking impact on many people in Scotland. That is why we are working across the four nations to deliver the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to make Scotland tobacco free by 2034.”
Dr Garth Reid, Consultant in Public Health at PHS, said: “Smoking is one of the biggest causes of ill health and premature death in Scotland. Giving up smoking is the best thing you can do for your health and the benefits start to happen quickly – even for people who have smoked for a long time. Whether you’re ready to stop, or just beginning to think about it, Quit Your Way Scotland is here to help you stop smoking and stay stopped in a way that is right for you.”
Anyone who has the goal of giving up smoking is advised to contact QuitYourWay.scot or call the free helpline on 0800 848484.