CHILDREN from Sunnyside Primary School got the opportunity to sit down with an MSP to review smoking in Scotland.

Kids from primary 5/6 at Sunnyside had been part of a consultation with the Children’s Parliament on the Smoking and Tobacco Policy.

This was carried out to gauge what children think about smoking in Scotland, with a report being produced on their thoughts.

Afterwards, the kids took the initiative and requested to speak to the government directly to relay their thoughts and ask questions.

On Thursday, November 9, the children at Sunnyside hosted a Teams meeting with Jenny Minto, the health minister, to present their knowledge on smoking and vaping with regards to people’s health and wellbeing.

They also presented their ideas on what a smoke-free Scotland could look like, thoroughly engaging Jenny in their discussions.

A spokesperson for the event said: “The ideas were genuine, thoughtful and empathetic – the children, for example, saw the benefit of Scotland being smoke-free as Scotland could be healthier and greener while nothing that people would need support in quitting these addictive habits.

“Minister Minto was very responsive to the group of nine and 10 year old citizens of Scotland, whose active participation in policy development is an achievement they can be proud of.”

The Tobacco and Smoking Consultation Report will be published at a later date. Kids at Sunnyside reported that they appreciated meeting an actual minister.

One pupil named April said: “I felt nervous because we were talking to the health minister but at the same time I was proud of myself.”