ACTION needs to be taken regarding the “alarming” number of children using vapes, says a South Scotland MSP.

Data released by the UK Government shows that 69 per cent of vapers in Great Britain are aged between 11 and 17.

In the last three years, the number of children smoking vapes in the UK has tripled, driving an increase in disposable vape sales.

Every week, it is estimated that five million disposable vapes are littered or thrown away in general waste.

Craig Hoy MSP has welcomed legislation being brought forward across the UK to introduce a new law to stop children who turn 15 this year or younger from ever legally being sold cigarettes and banning disposable vapes.

Mr Hoy, who lives in East Lothian, said: “I welcome the work being done across the four nations of the UK to ban the sale of cigarettes and vapes for children and young people.

“This will help to reduce the associated health risks, drive up life expectancy and boost the economy.

“There has recently been a very alarming rise in the number of children using vapes in East Lothian, and there must be a zero-tolerance approach against children using vapes, particularly in schools.”

From the beginning of 2027, legislation will take effect outlawing the sale of cigarettes, vapes and vaping alternatives to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009.

There will also be a ban on disposable vapes.