Learning Day 2026

We are particularly excited to kick off the day with a high-impact Plenary session featuring global leaders in tobacco control and public health. This is a valuable opportunity to hear directly about:

• Tobacco control: global challenges, local action: A special keynote video from Kristina Mauer-Stender, WHO Europe Lead on Tobacco Control, will set the international context for our discussions.
• Expert insights: A presentation by Dr Andy MacGregor provides insight into young people’s attitudes towards smoking and vaping.
• Panel discussion: Chaired by Sheila Duffy, our stellar panel including Dr Marissa Smith, Dr Ross Langley and Dr Nason Maani dive deep into the challenges and solutions facing children and young people related to smoking and nicotine use.

Beyond the opening plenary, the programme is packed with expert-led sessions and interactive workshops including:

• Afternoon plenary: Discuss how we can best protect children and their right to healthy clean air both at home and outdoors.
• Hands-on workshops, showcasing the work of ASH Scotland and our partners:
  • Worldwide Insights: Youth Nicotine Cessation Programmes
  • A snapshot of Scotland: Latest research and stats analysis on tobacco, vaping and recreational nicotine products across the nation.
  • Current legislation, Future directions: legislation (Tobacco and Vapes Bill and what next), strategic directions
  • Schools and youth education packs in practice
  • Expanding Smoke and Aerosol-Free Environments: next steps
  • Breaking the Chain: Tackling health inequalities through a Whole Household Approach