Young people in Scotland want to reduce alcohol health risks by banning advertisements of the substance from appearing in public places.

The country's first Youth Commission on Alcohol has just completed a year-long investigation into the problems associated with alcohol abuse.

Representatives from the group are due to meet public health minister Shona Robison to discuss their suggestions, which also include an improved education process in schools, the provision of leisure activities to prevent children from consuming it and further research into the effect of passive drinking.

She told the BBC: "We recognise both the need to protect young people from this potential harm and the role they can play in tackling Scotland's reputation as a nation of heavy drinkers. "

NHS Highlands recently revealed that 89 people had died as a result of alcohol misuse in the area in 2008, while director of public health Margaret Somerville noted that the cost of abuse in the region was £200 million, the Aberdeen Press and Journal reported.

Posted by Elliot Sherwood