Scots drink less frequently but consume more units compared with UK – survey

Scottish adults tend to drink less often but consume more units of alcohol when they do so, a survey has suggested.

Alcohol charity Drinkaware’s national monitor survey heard from 7,210 adults across the UK in May and June, including 1,001 in Scotland.

It found 40% of adults in Scotland drink alcohol at least once a week, compared with 45% across the UK.

However drinkers in Scotland were more likely to consume larger amounts of alcohol.

Some 22% of Scottish drinkers consumed seven or more units in a typical session, compared with 17% across the UK.

Drinkers in Scotland were also more likely to say they have engaged in binge drinking at some point during the past year – at 66% compared with 61% across the UK.

YouGov carried out the nationally representative survey between May 26 and June 22.

Karen Tyrell, chief executive of Drinkaware, said: “For several years, many of the trends in the nation’s drinking habits have been moving in a positive direction, giving us real cause for optimism.

“This year’s monitor, however, could be an early indication that some hard-won gains may be eroding.

“While it will be important to see whether this pattern continues in future and marks the start of a longer-term trend, these findings are a timely reminder that recent progress cannot be taken for granted.”

Dr Zubir Ahmed, the MP for Glasgow South West, said: “While it is encouraging that people in Scotland are drinking less frequently than the UK average, these findings highlight a worrying shift towards heavier drinking on individual occasions.

“As a transplant surgeon and as an MP, I know that the harms associated with alcohol can be significant, and that drinking heavily in a single session can carry its own risks.

“These findings are an important reminder that prevention and public awareness matter.

“Giving people the right information, practical tools and support to moderate their drinking can help reduce alcohol-related harm and protect the health and wellbeing of communities across Scotland.”