Scotland’s regional government in its current legislative programme said it plans to introduce a bill requiring plain packaging for cigarettes and other tobacco products by 2015.

“Scottish ministers regret the UK government’s decision not to proceed with legislation to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes and other tobacco products,” states the programme for the 2013-2014. “The Scottish government is determined to take forward this important public health measure, and will consult on the issue in the coming months, with the intention of introducing legislation in 2014-15.”
Scotland plans to reduce the smoking rate to 5 per cent by 2034.
ASH Scotland, an anti-smoking group, welcomed the commitment. “There is a delay, but this will give the Scottish government time to get the detail right, in the face of certain opposition from tobacco companies,” said Sheila Duffy, the group’s chief executive.