New figures have revealed that more smokers in Scotland are attempting to quit. 

The figures, released by the NHS Information Services Division, show that 4.8% of smokers attempted to quit using an NHS smoking cessation service during 2008 - up from 4.2% in 2007.

Key findings of the statistics include the fact that 14% more quit attempts were made in 2008, up from 44,019 to 50,121. They also found that  44% of quit attempts were made using pharmacy-based smoking cessation services and that 38% were still smoke-free a month after quitting.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison said: "Many people find stopping smoking hard but it's also the single biggest thing anyone can do to improve their health.

"So it's really encouraging that so many people are taking advantage of NHS smoking cessation services and trying to quit.

"Not everyone succeeds at their first attempt but the cessation services are there to support them as they become a non-smoker - and you're four times more likely to succeed if you use cessation services.

"We're also committed to stopping people - particularly young people - from starting to smoke in the first place.

"Our smoking prevention action plan included a range of measures aimed at preventing smoking among children, including removing cigarette displays in shops and banning vending machines. These proposals were included in our Tobacco and Primary Medical Services Bill which is currently making its way though the Scottish Parliament."