14.3% increase in drug deaths in Highlands since 2024

Lib Dem MSP David Green has branded the more than 14% rise in drugs deaths in the Highlands compared to 2024 as “chilling”.

In all there were the 24 drug-related deaths in the Highland area in last year alone contributing to an 11% rise nationally totalling 1,133 drug use deaths.

The figures released by the National Records for Scotland sparked a political firestorm and a failed attempt to oust drugs policy minister Maree Todd who is also a Highland MSP.

Both she and First Minister John Swinney faced questions and criticism this week as Scotland still has the worst drug-death numbers in Europe, and they continue to get worse.

Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP David Green said:

      "These figures are truly chilling.

"Drug deaths are not only a tragedy for families but represent an even bigger failure to address poverty, mental health and policing, especially in rural communities.

"Safer drug consumption centres are proven to save lives. I am eager to work cross-party to ensure the government can deliver a national rollout.

“From introducing multi-year funding for all drug and alcohol services to long overdue drug checking services, there remains work to do to end this crisis. That should be our focus."

ENDS.