THE SCOTTISH Government could be set to raise the alcohol age limit to 21.

THE SCOTTISH Government could be set to raise the alcohol age limit to 21.

Public health minister Shona Robison has been reported as saying that lifting the legal age to buy drink from 18 to 21 would be a "robust" response to the country's binge drinking culture.

It would bring Scotland into line with countries such the USA.

Ms Robison yesterday announced that £80million was to be spent on tackling alcohol misuse over the next three years.

She added: "We have been looking at all the issues such as availability, accessibility and age of purchase.

"These are things being considered. We have to get the public to acknowledge that there is a problem."

Some licensed trade lobbyists have described the move as a case of "PR politics".

Others say it would simply raise the number of illegal purchases, as well as put drink out of reach of thousands of university students.

Dr Maggie Watts, public health consultant and chairwoman of the Ayrshire and Arran Alcohol and Drug Action Team, said: "Alcohol is a legal substance. What we need to do is make sure that people know how to use it safely.

"If you are able to get married at 16 or enlist to die for your country at 16, at what point do you say this is a toxic substance - you can't have it?"