AFTER

a long and expensive battle in the Scottish courts, the SNP brought in tougher rules on minimum drink pricing last spring. They grandly claimed making alcohol more expensive would save lives within months. However, their strategy has somewhat backfired. Data just released shows the Scots are actually drinking more — not less. A long hot summer, a royal wedding and the World Cup are blamed. Och, what are we like? There is a kind of noble spirit in there somewhere, and it’s not made of alcohol. Cheers, everyone!