Scotland Smoking Rates Drop, Vaping Popularity Rises

The number of adults smoking cigarettes in Scotland has fallen to a record low of 12%, a significant decrease from 23.4% in 2011, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Despite this progress, Scotland’s smoking rate remains slightly above the UK average of 9.1%. This decline aligns with the Scottish Government’s policy goal of reducing smoking prevalence to below 5% by 2034.

A major national trend highlighted by the ONS data is that, for the first time, the number of e-cigarette or vape users has surpassed the number of traditional smokers across Great Britain. In 2024, 10% of adults aged 16 and over reported using e-cigarettes, compared to 9.1% who smoked cigarettes. Daily e-cigarette use in the UK also rose from 5.9% in 2023 to 6.7% in 2024. While the ONS survey didn’t provide a specific breakdown for Scotland, separate 2023 findings from the Scottish Government indicated that 12% of Scottish adults used e-cigarettes daily, suggesting vaping rates in Scotland may be higher than the UK average.

The new ONS data provides a detailed look at smoking prevalence across Scotland’s council areas. North Lanarkshire has the highest percentage of adult smokers at 20.5%. The top five areas with the highest smoking rates are:

1. North Lanarkshire: 20.5%
2. West Lothian: 19.7%
3. Clackmannanshire: 19.5%
4. Orkney Islands: 19.0%
5. Glasgow City: 18.9%

Conversely, East Dunbartonshire reports the lowest smoking rate in Scotland at just 7.1%. The top five areas with the lowest smoking rates are:

1. East Dunbartonshire: 7.1%
2. East Renfrewshire: 9.2%
3. Stirling: 10.2%
4. City of Edinburgh: 10.5%
5. East Lothian: 11.7%

The data also underscores significant socio-economic disparities in smoking habits across the UK. The prevalence of smoking among those with no formal qualifications (25%) was five times higher than among those with a degree-level education (5%). Similarly, unemployed individuals had a higher proportion of current smokers (17.5%) compared to those in paid employment (9.9%). The overall downward trend in smoking across the UK, a fall of 9.6 percentage points since 2011, continues, but the rise of vaping presents a new dynamic in the public health landscape.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

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