Scotland has highest drug death rate in Europe as it reaches worst level since records began

Drug-related deaths have soared in Scotland, where they are at their worst level since records began.

There were 1,187 drug-related deaths registered in Scotland last year – higher than any other European country and nearly three times that of the UK as a whole.

The death toll also puts Scotland on a par with the US, which was previously thought to have the highest drug fatality rate per capita in the world.

The “shocking” statistics, released by the National Records of Scotland on Tuesday, show the number of such deaths in 2018 was 27 per cent higher than in 2017, and the highest since 1996.

Scotland's Public Health minister Joe FitzPatrick described the figures as "shocking" and said innovative and bold new approaches were needed to save lives.

The greatest increase in fatalities was seen among the over-35s – the so-called “Trainspotting generation” of ageing, long-term users – but there was also a rise in deaths among 15 to 24-year-olds.

Heroin, methadone or codeine were implicated in 86 per cent of deaths, while “street” benzodiazepines, which have flooded the UK market over the past few years, played a role in 57 per cent of cases.

Cocaine was implicated in, or potentially contributed to, 273 deaths (23 per cent), alcohol was involved in 156 (13 per cent); amphetamines in 46 (4 per cent); and ecstasy-type drugs in 35 (3 per cent).

Men accounted for the majority of drug-related deaths, at 72 per cent.

The statistics come as the Scottish government renews calls for Westminster to reform drug policy or devolve powers to Holyrood so it can take the matter into its own hands.

The SNP, Greens and Liberal Democrats are calling for safer drug consumption facilities, with the latter pushing for decriminalisation for personal use.

Mr FitzPatrick said: "The number of people who have lost their lives because of drug use is shocking.

"It is vital this tragedy is treated as a public health issue, and we are prepared to take innovative and bold measures in order to save the lives of those most at risk.

"Last week, I gave evidence to the Scottish Affairs Committee and I asked for help in persuading the UK Government to either act now to enable us to implement a range of public health focused responses - including the introduction of supervised drug consumption facilities - or devolve the power to the Scottish Parliament so that we can act."

The Public Health minister has set up a new taskforce which he said must be driven by evidence.

He pledged to listen to those who have used drugs, as well as their families, and to give consideration to any proposals brought forward which would save lives.