The Scottish Government is set to move forward with plans to set a price of 50p per unit, in a bid to tackle problem drinking

A proposed minimum price for alcohol in Scotland is set to move forward.

The Scottish Government confirmed this week that it will continue with its plans to set the price per unit of alcohol as 50p.

The initiative is aimed at tackling Scotland's "unhealthy relationship with drink" by raising the price of cheap, high-strength alcohol.

Health secretary Shona Robison said: “With alcohol on sale today in some places at just 16p per unit, we have to tackle the scourge of cheap, high-strength drink that causes so much damage to so many families. This move will save thousands of lives.”

The plans – which will be introduced in May - mean the price of the cheapest bottle of red wine containing 9.4 units of alcohol will rise to £4.69, a four-pack of 500ml cans of 4% lager (eight units) will cost £4 and a 70cl bottle of whisky (28 units of alcohol) could not be sold for less than £14.

The decision was made following analysis of a public consultation, and the recommended price will now be laid before the Scottish Parliament next week.

Publicity of the plans has already began, with more than 5,000 convenience stores across Scotland being targeted with posters, leaflets and adverts which highlight the changes.

The Scottish Parliament passed the minimum pricing legislation five years ago but it was subjected to a prolonged legal challenge by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).