Adverts for Irn Bru and chocolate should be banned before 9pm, according to Scottish Government

The SNP administration commissioned research that shows children still see ads for junk food and fizzy drinks, despite rules banning them being aired during kids’ TV.

Around half admitted to buying something they’d seen advertised.

SNP Public Health Minister Maureen Watt has written to her Westminster counterpart calling for junk food  advertising to be switched off before the watershed.

She said: “If we are serious about tackling obesity, and reducing the prevalence of conditions such as type 2

diabetes, we need to make it as easy as possible for young people to eat healthy diets.

“That means looking seriously at the marketing of unhealthy food and drink.

“Reducing their exposure to such advertising on TV is a simple first step, and one that I believe should be taken without further delay.”

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: “We are developing a comprehensive strategy looking at all the factors that contribute to a child becoming overweight and obese.

“This will be published in the coming months.”