She enjoys smoking and has no plans to give up her 15-a-day habit.

The 35-year-old is against an out-right ban on lighting up in public places and she believes the tourism industry has already done much to curb the harmful effects of passive smoking.

I have worked in the tourism industry for two decades and I have seen clearly how this sector has dealt with the passive smoking issue.

It took on a voluntary charter and it has improved conditions for both smokers and non-smokers.

Government intervention will not work. If serious curbs are brought in this time, when will it all end? Will we be dictated to, in this free-thinking democracy, on how to live?

Will we be told not to smoke in our cars and not to smoke on the beach? These things have happened elsewhere and I don't want them to happen in Scotland.

I don't think draconian measures will produce the results the politicians are looking for. Yes, Scotland has a poor health record, but that does not start and end with passive smoking.

'Bizarre and crazy'

At the heart of this debate we should put tolerance. Judgements on this matter are being made all the time - when I light up in the street now, it is commonplace for me to be given an evil stare.

I had my first cigarette at the age of 12. I did it because I was keen to know what it was like to smoke. For more than 20 years I have enjoyed smoking. My 15-a-day habit is part of my life.

I'm not unhealthy and I have no plans to give up smoking. I consider myself to have a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Smoking does not show a weakness and it's something I shouldn't be ashamed of.

I am fully aware of passive smoking and I believe I am a considerate smoker. I don't have children, but I am aware of smoking around children.

My worry is that if you take smoking out of the pubs and clubs you drive it into the home where children will have greater exposure.

I think we are now in a bizarre and crazy situation.