A former Scottish health minister has renewed calls for a ban on smoking in public places.

Speaking to Holyrood magazine, Sam Galbraith argued that "we need it now and we should get on with it".

"It is true that banning smoking in public places raises issues of civil liberties, but they are all on the side of a ban: freedom from health hazards and anti-social behaviour," he said.

"Why should a minority be able to subject the majority to the effects of their bad habit, the stinking clothes, smoke mixed with your meal and overflowing ashtrays?

"Fag ends are thrown out of car windows and our pavements are littered with the detritus of smoking.

"The majority is entitled to some consideration."

Following the implementation of a ban in the Republic of Ireland, anyone caught smoking in an Irish bar faces a fine of €3,000, or £2,000.

Galbraith's comments have the backing of chief medical officer Dr Mac Armstrong, who made similar calls in March, although the Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco [Forest] have called for tolerance.

However, smoking rates in Scotland remain above the UK average.