Alcohol - what's new ?

[lastlid]

Scots drink - on average - a quarter more alcohol per head than the English and Welsh. Alcohol - related deaths are twice those south of the border, and alcohol figures in about half of homicides

Any idea why that is Doc, I wondered if it was to do with keeping warm in harsher winters with a wee dram or two by the fire etc etc? But having spent some time in Scotland I am not so sure that might be the only reason......

[Doc Alan]

Any idea why that is Doc, I wondered if it was to do with keeping warm in harsher winters with a wee dram or two by the fire etc etc? But having spent some time in Scotland I am not so sure that might be the only reason......

Perhaps I should explain - I was born in Glasgow, then studied and worked there for about 16 years . Scottish A + E units on Saturday nights ( and Sunday - Friday ) would convince anyone that there is a particular problem with alcohol north of the border .
Many see Scotland's vice of alcohol excess rooted in the soil of 19th century industrialisation, poverty, and bad housing in Glasgow.
In my opinion, it's also due to the depressing weather - there are two seasons in Scotland, winter and July !

[lastlid]

........... there are two seasons in Scotland, winter and July !

Yep. I would agree with that.

[Arthur Little]

Yep. I would agree with that.

Likewise, ... from bitter > < experience.

[Arthur Little]

Likewise, ... from bitter > < experience.

Whilst primarily, *it was used in response to comments about the Scottish weather, the *above post could equally be applied to the main topic being discussed ... namely, 'Alcohol - what's new?'

Accordingly, therefore, emphasis is placed on the word "bitter". Bitter - commonly referred to as "best bitter" (when used to describe certain brands of ale) - immediately conjures up the notion of its being a sharp, acrid and, by definition, unpleasant substance. Yet, conversely, its universal appeal remains largely undiminished.