A former smoker has urged ministers to ban smoking in the doorways of public buildings in an attempt to help more people give up.

Margaret Brown, who used to smoke up to 40 cigarettes a day, now helps others to quit. The call comes on national No Smoking Day, as smokers are urged to kick the habit.

It is now almost four years since the ban came into force in Scotland, on March 26, 2006, and Ms Brown said she felt it was time to look at extending the legislation.

She added: "These changes would make it more inconvenient for individuals to smoke and may encourage more people to kick the habit for good. As a former smoker myself, I know that the more motivation there is to stop, the better, and this may be the additional catalyst that many need.

"The success of the smoking ban implemented in Scotland has been tremendous, but the government must not become complacent."

Ms Brown, who runs smoking cessation workshops around Aberdeen, continued: "Whether you are a smoker, an ex-smoker or have only tried one cigarette in your life, it is never pleasant to walk through a crowd of smokers gathered outside an office, restaurant or pub. This defeats the purpose of an element of the smoking ban as you are still being subjected to smoke within a closely confined area despite being outside."

Public Health Minister Shona Robison said: "The legislation to ban smoking in public places has been a tremendous success and is helping to improve health by removing the risks associated with passive smoking. We are continuing to monitor the implementation of the ban."

The law in England and Wales is set to be reviewed by health secretary Andy Burham later this year.

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Meanwhile, health bosses in Lothian have urged smokers to take advantage of the wide range of free services available to help them quit.

Special information stalls are being manned at locations at area hospitals on Wednesday, giving details of help available to smokers at a time and place to suit them. Shoppers at Edinburgh's Asda at the Jewel and Livingstone's Elements shopping centre will also be urged to give up.

Helena Connelly, smoking cessation coordinator for NHS Lothian, said: "Help is available for people who want to stop in all sorts of ways. We want to be there to help whenever anyone makes the decision to stop and we appreciate that sometimes people are working and they want help at a time that is convenient for them without having to book ahead.

"No Smoking Day is the ideal opportunity for people who are considering quitting to kick the habit. You are four times more likely to succeed with support and advice from an NHS stop smoking service."