John Swinney has joined his boss Nicola Sturgeon in backing The Courier’s bid to protect schoolchildren from caffeine-supercharged drinks.
The Education Secretary, who is also Ms Sturgeon’s deputy, said energy drinks have “no place” in schools as lent his name to the Can It campaign.
The campaign aims to convince headteachers to ban energy drinks from school grounds.
Mr Swinney, a Perthshire MSP, pledged his support alongside his Dundee East SNP colleague Shona Robison, who is Health Secretary.
High caffeine drinks have been linked with anxiety, behavioural disorders, nausea, tooth decay, obesity and breathing difficulties.
As well as risking pupils’ health, they have been blamed for hindering learning and causing disorder problems for teachers.
The Courier campaign wants to secondary schools across the country issue a total ban on them on their premises.
Mr Swinney said: “Energy drinks have no place in our schools, and nutritional regulations already prevent them being sold there.
“We are working hard to encourage children and young people to choose healthier options, both within and outside of school, and as such I support this campaign.
“I hope schools across Scotland will consider the benefits not just to pupils’ health, but to their academic performance and behaviour, and get behind Can It.”
Ms Robison said: “The Courier’s Can It campaign is a very welcome local initiative that I would urge others in Scotland to follow.
“It is a great way to bring communities, schools and retailers together to make sure that everyone is best informed about the responsible retailing of energy drinks, in particular those that are high in sugar.”
“Scottish retailers are ideally placed to support the provision and purchase of healthier choices for all consumers and especially children. I challenge retailers to join those in the community who back the campaign to do what they can to help protect public health.”
Schools across Courier Country put their name to the campaign, as well as a host of public figures.
Yesterday all eight secondary schools in Angus came out in support after head of secondary education Paul Clancy said the newspaper could count on him for his full support.
Also signed up are dentists, doctors – and former Olympic athlete and Conservative MSP Brian Whittle.
