An alcoholic of 30 years has hit out at minimum pricing, claiming it will create a "black market" for people wanting to drink.

George Hill, who lives in a homeless unit in Glasgow, said the move won't stop alcohol-related deaths.

The price of cheap, high-strength alcohol has increased in Scotland after the legislation on minimum pricing came into force on Tuesday.

High-strength white cider and cheap vodka and whisky will see the biggest rise in prices.

Speaking about the implementation of minimum pricing, Mr Hill said: "It's the wrong way of going about it.

"What they are going to create is a black market for alcohol now."

The 50-year-old lost his brother to booze and admits he is continuing to drink despite his health declining.

He said: "I would drink two-and-a-half litres a day and that would just keep me steady.

"I have been to the doctor and there are a couple of things I need to get checked out.

"I know it's the alcohol that has done it obviously but I don't know how much damage it has caused. I'm just waiting for the tests.

"Alcohol has had a tremendous effect on my life. I lost my young brother from it.

"My health is not up to scratch. It's had quite an effect on my life."

Father-of-two Andrew, who never considered himself as an alcoholic, suffered liver damage from drinking three cans of Strongbow cider every night.

The 41-year-old was treated at the liver clinic at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

He said: "The last place that I needed to be was in a hospital, especially when I walked into a ward and seen why other people were there.

"I was like, how on earth have I ended up here.

"I honestly did not think I was a drinker.

"I enjoyed having a social drink in the house."