Drink-driving is under the spotlight at Christmas

Scotland's culture has been widely targeted in the past and Liberal Democrat MSP Donald Gorrie is already considering a members bill to prompt more action.

He has called on the executive to tackle "the biggest problem facing Scotland today".

He said: "My principle concern is, that at the moment, the problems caused by alcohol do not register on the political scale at all.

"They are actually much more important than issues raised by drugs.

"I'm not saying that drugs should get less attention, but I am saying alcohol abuse and the problems arising out of that - the violence, the health problems, under-age drinking - should get at least as much attention as drugs do."

Death rate down

Scottish police forces launched their annual drink-driving campaign earlier this week.

They said drink-driving, seat belt wearing and speeding on Scottish roads will all be targeted over the festive period.

The country's drink-drive record has improved, with the number of related deaths on the decrease.

However, one in every seven deaths still continues to be linked to drink-driving.