A daily newspaper is to run a series examining its country’s relationship with alcohol, including what its editor warned would be ‘harrrowing content.’

Glasgow-based Scottish daily The Herald is launching its series ‘Scotland and Alcohol’ today to run over the coming week.

Among other things the series will examine the economic benefits that alcohol brings to Scotland, the impact on health, children and relationships, and the social role of traditional pubs.

Editor Catherine Salmond set out the thinking behind the series in an editorial published on Friday.

Wrote Catherine: “As a nation we have a complex relationship with alcohol. On the one hand, it is a great source of pride: our world-famous brands for example, its links to our heritage, employment opportunities, tourism draws, hospitality, inspiring entrepreneurialism.

“Quite simply, from an economic viewpoint, we need to value and encourage alcohol sales, promotion and consumption.

“On the other, when abused, alcohol is at the root of so many of Scotland’s troubles: addiction, ill-health, premature deaths, strains on the NHS, crime, violence. It kills and destroys lives, relationships and communities.

“We both love and loathe alcohol. But where is this complex relationship at in 2024? My team has been working hard on exploring the question, alive to the many difficult layers at play.

“It is a comprehensive body of work which I am incredibly proud of my team for. As always, they have worked hard to produce impactful, wide-ranging content, including the business and economic aspects of alcohol, the social, the health, and how it impacts our sporting world.

“We have spoken with many people, heard their stories, their hopes and concerns, and we are keen to share those with you, our readers.

“Some of our content is inspiring, some is harrowing, but it tells the full story of Scotland’s relationship with drink. We believe it needs to be shared, understood, discussed, and in many areas used to have conversations and apply pressure in areas where solutions are needed.

“The series lasts five days, but the much-needed conversations around Scotland and alcohol will last much longer.”