A deadly internet drinking craze has prompted a stark warning from health boards.
Neknominate, in which participants are filmed downing alcohol before attempting a risky stunt, has swept the world over the last few weeks.
The deaths of two men from Ireland on Saturday are being linked to the dangerous phenomenon and Montrose farmer Kevin Zimmerman, 32, was exposed last week for posting his own zany effort on the internet.
Zimmerman was filmed firing a shotgun while wearing nothing but a tie, pink pants and green wellies before downing alcohol and leaping off a bridge into a river.
Forth Valley Alcohol and Drug Partnership coordinator Elaine Lawlor said: “This is a game which could have disastrous consequences for some. The consequences of drinking large volumes of alcohol in such a short period of time are very dangerous for those taking part.
“We would call on people not to participate in this ‘game’ and to act responsibly to protect their friends from the serious risks associated with it by not nominating them to take part.”
An NHS Tayside spokesman said: “When alcohol is consumed excessively or inappropriately, it can take its toll on people’s health and the community. It is important to know the units of alcohol in your drinks.”
NHS Fife director of public health, Dr Edward Coyle said: “Promoting the misuse of alcohol through peer pressure leads people to take serious risks that in some circumstances have ended in tragedy.
“Social media companies have an important role in ensuring their published content is not promoting harmful behaviour.”
The craze demands successful participants set another challenge for someone who then has 24 hours to complete it.
The family of Carlow teenager, John Byrne, 19, who died after jumping into the River Barrow on Saturday, have appealed for participants to stop.
His brother Patrick posted: “My young 19-year-old brother died tonight in the middle of his nomination … he thought he had to try and beat the competition, after he necked his pint, he jumped into the river.
“If people have any decency and respect they will refrain from any more of this stupid neknomination.”
Another online user has found an imaginative response to the craze.
Cormac McCarthy’s anti-Neknominate video on Facebook (see below) has gained tens of thousands of likes:Post by Cormac McCarthy.