CONTROVERSIAL plans to increase the age for buying alcohol from off-sales are being pushed through by the Scottish Government - despite MSPs rejecting the proposal.

Holyrood voted 72 to 47 against increasing the age for buying drink in supermarkets and off-licences from 18 to 21 years.

The move - part of a package of measures put forward by ministers to tackle Scotland's drink problem - has already been criticised by students leaders, the retailers and drinks manufacturers.

However a spokesman for First Minister Alex Salmond said: "We believe the proposal to raise the age of purchase is very strong. Ultimately it will be for Parliament to decide."

The spokesman said a Bill to introduce those measures was likely to be outlined before the end of this year.