The launch of the third 3-year phase of ASH Scotland's National Tobacco and Inequalities Project was held on September 1st 2004 at the St Ninians Eden Project, Paisley.
Over one hundred people from across Scotland attended the launch that was covered by STV, local and national newspapers and radio.
Those present heard keynote speaker Deputy Health Minister Tom McCabe MSP say,
"Smoking is the single biggest cause of preventable death and ill health in Scotland. It is therefore vital that we do everything we can to ensure that all smokers in Scotland, regardless of their background, have access to the services to help them quit."
The launch was also welcomed by the local MSP, Wendy Alexander. Ms Alexander said,
"I am delighted to support the launch of Phase Three of ASH Scotland's Tobacco and Inequalities Project. As any ex-smoker will tell you, stopping smoking is tough and the best results come from projects like this one - firmly based in local communities, working day in and day out alongside those trying to give up."