YOUNG Scots are more opposed to banning smoking in public places than their older counterparts, according to a new poll.

The NFO System Three survey for The Herald found 44% of 18 to 34-year-olds were in favour of the ban compared to 59% of those aged 55 and above.

Tom McCabe, deputy health minister, suggested this reflected the current popularity of smoking among young girls. He said: ''We know figures are increasing fairly substantially for young females and there is more to be done there.''

In Scotland, about 27% of girls and 16% of boys are regular smokers by the time they are 16.

The survey of 828 people, which was carried out across Scotland between January 5 and 11, also found support for a ban varied widely across the different regions.

In the north-east 70% backed the prohibition of smoking in public places, compared to 49% in the Lothians and 40% in Glasgow. However, a relatively large proportion of Glaswegians, 16%, did not feel strongly either for or against the idea.

The results are similar to a survey by the Sunday Mail, involving 200 people on Hogmanay, which also found Aberdeen and the north-east most enthusiastic about prohibition.

Martin Raymond, deputy director of programmes for Health Scotland - the nation's health education agency, said: ''It probably reflects amounts of cigarette use across the country which will follow socio-economic lines as well.''

The Herald poll found those in the highest social class category, AB, were most supportive with 73% backing a ban while just 39% of those in the DE category agreed.

Pressure to take the radical step of banning smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places has mounted on the Scottish Parliament as similar measures have been introduced around the world.

In California and New York in the US, and in Australia, bans have already been launched, and the Irish will not be allowed to light up in the pub under new legislation scheduled to come into force this spring.

With the weight of the medical community including Dr Mac Armstrong, chief medical officer for Scotland, arguing for a ban at a time when Scotland's appalling health record appears to be improving at a grudgingly slow pace if at all, some feel it is inexcusable not to take action.

Dr John Garner, chairman of the BMA in Scotland, said: ''A whole list of countries are going down this path and Scotland with its terrible health record really needs to do everything it can.''

Yesterday, Mr McCabe said that legislation was clearly an option. However, Jack McConnell, the first minister, caused a stir last week when he said ''there are issues here about an overall ban being impractical'' and that his personal preference was a ''designation facility'' for non-smoking areas.

Mr McCabe said the executive would be open with the public about the practicalities of a ban and genuinely wanted to know what Scots think before deciding which road to take.

He admitted however, that banning smoking everywhere where food is served may be difficult in the short term.