The Tories yesterday stepped up their campaign against controversial Scottish Government plans to ban under-21s from buying alcohol in off-sales.

The Tories yesterday stepped up their campaign against controversial Scottish Government plans to ban under-21s from buying alcohol in off-sales.

The Conservatives are direct mailing 10,000 18-year-olds in marginal constituencies across the country.

It comes after MSPs rejected the Scottish Government's plans to increase the age for buying drink in supermarkets and off-licences from 18 to 21.

The postcard carries the message: "Are you still a kid at 19? The SNP seems to think so."

And it urged teenagers to "campaign to stop the SNP government getting their way".

Their postcard also says: "In Scotland by the age of 18 you can vote, join the Army and go to war, own and drive a car, buy a house, get married, have children and lots, lots more.

"But the SNP government think you shouldn't be allowed to buy a six-pack of beer or a bottle of wine."

Tory deputy leader Murdo Fraser said: "It is our view, a view now endorsed by the Scottish Parliament, that the Scottish Government's proposals are ludicrous, discriminatory and not addressing the fundamental issue."

A spokesman for Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill hit out at the Conservatives and said: "The Tories' soft-touch approach to tackling Scotland's booze problem is a big blunder."