The Scottish National Party (SNP) has called on other parties in the Scottish Parliament to support its plans for the introduction of a minimum price per unit of alcohol in Scotland.

Attempts by the Scottish Government to implement the proposal last year were thwarted by opposition parties, but the SNP secured an overall parliamentary majority in May this year.

Bob Doris, vice convener of the health committee, said: "To move Scotland forward we must face the nation's problems head-on and not shirk away from alcohol misuse.

"I welcome the Liberal Democrats' decision to end their opposition and back minimum pricing and the continued support of Labour MSP Malcolm Chisholm and Conservative leadership contender Jackson Carlaw's willingness to look again at the issue."