SCOTLAND should throw off the burden of "doom and gloom" imposed by Reformation preacher John Knox and pursue happiness for the sake of its health, according to the country's chief medical officer.
Dr Harry Burns said a number of studies had found anxiety, pessimism and a sense of hopelessness had serious effects on health and could shorten a person's life by up to 15 years.
He added that the founder of the Church of Scotland was partly to blame for a certain negativity in Scots culture.
"I think John Knox has a heavy burden to bear ... 'Oh doom and gloom'."
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