HEALTH-related fears over sunbed salons have led increasing numbers of Scots to check out alternative ways of acquiring tans.

Short of going abroad on holiday - or hoping Scotland gets a prolonged run of the current good weather - people are turning to instant tan products.

Glasgow-based Eric Remocker, 22, is well-placed to capitalise on this enthusiasm via his Body Bronzing Instant Tan range.

The range includes a mousse, cream and spray, with plans to extend it by making it available in gel form.

And, when sales of a natural herbal slimming pill are added, the company says it is on the way to a turnover of £1million.

Tanning and sunbed salons are part of Mr Remocker's background - his father, Irvine, once ran a chain of salons.

"My father sold the company a number of years ago and I have taken over things since then," says Eric.

"I have looked to go down a more modern way of tanning, bearing in mind the recent coverage of tanning salons.

"I have stepped away from that in the direction of a safer way of tanning."

The Scottish Government recently announced plans for a ban on under-18s using sunbed salons. Unmanned, coin-operated sunbed salons are also to be banned.

Body Bronzing's products are made in Scotland and have been promoted on platforms as diverse as eBay.

The cast of Mamma Mia! also used them during the musical's recent run in Glasgow.

"Unlike other tanning products, ours does not contain parabens or skin-drying alcohol. They also contain ingredients linked with anti-ageing," said Mr Remocker.

The mousse, cream and spray are available at pharmacies and beauty salons and the company is in talks with a supermarket chain, as well as some High Street chains.

"We are also looking for a Scottish celebrity to be the public face of the range,"

added Mr Remocker.

"We are delighted with the way things have gone so far.

"I have also been told quite a few footballers' wives up here have been using the products ... and I daresay that goes for some of the footballers as well!"