Alcohol problems

Shona Robison claims the Scottish Government is doing a good job when it comes to dealing with health-related drink problems (The Scotsman, 14 November). But is there not a contradiction? She says: “Scotland has very much led the way on this important public health measure”, followed by: “Scotland has a well-regarded alcohol strategy”. Yet, earlier in her article she writes: “Recent statistics show alcohol-related deaths have increased by 10 per cent over the last year.” It’s my view that a 10 per cent increase in alcohol-related deaths in the last year is not a statistic the Scottish Government can be proud of. JIM AITKEN Murthly, Perth