A new partnership has been launched in Stornoway to tackle underage drinking, prevent illegal alcohol sales to children and reduce alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

The Stornoway Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) brings together Police Scotland, Western Isles Pubwatch, the Co-op, Action for Children, the Hotspot Intervention Team, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Stornoway North Community Development.

The initiative aims to educate young people about the risks of alcohol and drugs, promote healthier choices and provide safe, supervised activities where they can socialise.

Partners will also work with local retailers to prevent alcohol being sold illegally to under-18s, including so-called “proxy sales” where adults buy alcohol on behalf of children.

The scheme will promote compliance with Challenge 25, which requires retailers to ask for proof of age from customers who appear to be under 25 when buying alcohol.

Steven Cooper, Co-op Stornoway store manager, said the retailer was committed to supporting the initiative. “We have robust processes in place, and the partnership has a focus on educating young people about underage drinking, improving their health and well-being and addressing issues of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in our communities,” he said.

“We are pleased to partner with the CAP in Stornoway, and by working together support the positive difference the initiative can make locally.”

Kate Winstanley, director of Community Alcohol Partnerships, said underage drinking could affect young people's education, relationships and health, while increasing the risk of alcohol-related harm later in life.

She said existing partnerships had helped reduce alcohol supply to children, underage consumption and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour. “That's why it's great to see local partners coming together in Stornoway to highlight the risks of underage drinking and reduce alcohol harm among local children and young people,” she added.