An account is presented of a survey of self-reported substance use among 839 adolescents in the Western Isles (Outer Hebrides) of Scotland.

The study group was aged 13-16.

The drinking habits of those surveyed were extremely polarised.

Results showed that while only 81.2% had ever used alcohol, nearly 40% of males and a third of females reported having consumed at least 11 units of alcohol on their last drinking occasion.

Levels of tobacco and illicit drug use were less striking : 21.4% considered themselves current smokers, while fewer than one-quarter had ever used illicit drugs or solvents.

Results are related to recent UK surveys of adolescents and to the distinctive culture of the study area.

It is concluded that the polarisation of youthful drinking in the Western Isles poses special problems in relation to the provision of alcohol education.