THE number of teenage smokers in Scotland has fallen to its lowest ever level, figures show.

A study found 2% of 13 year-olds were regular smokers in 2013, down from 3% in 2010. The number of 15-year-old smokers has dropped to 9% from 13%.

More than four-fifths of 13 year-olds (87%) and two-thirds of all 15-year-olds (66%) said they had never smoked.

For the first time the study included e-cigarettes, with 17% of 15 year-olds reported trying or using them compared to 7% of 13-year-olds.

Previous figures showing that more girls than boys are regular smokers are no longer apparent in the new statistics.

Health charity ASH Scotland welcomed the findings from the new Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey (SALSUS).

The charity said a range of new measures had contributed to the drop in teenage smokers, including the removal of tobacco displays in supermarkets.

Only 4% of those who had never smoked had ever used e-cigarettes.

ASH Scotland Chief Executive Sheila Duffy said: "It is clear from this survey why tobacco companies spent so much time and money fighting against measures to restrict youth smoking - these initiatives work.

"But more needs to be done - 22% of those questioned said they had been exposed to tobacco smoke in a car, which is why we welcome moves to ban smoking in vehicles with children present.

"While most adult smokers are aware of electronic cigarettes it is welcome news that very few children are using them. We would like to keep it that way."