Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, and Perthshire South and Kinross-shire MSP, Mr Jim Fairlie, have today commented on newly-released figures detailing the number of drug deaths in Scotland.
The figures, released today by National Records of Scotland, show that drug deaths have fallen by 1% across Scotland in the past year, ending a seven-year period of year-on-year increases. In Perth and Kinross, drug deaths dropped from 34 in 2020 to 20 in 2021 – the lowest level since 2017.
Commenting, Mr Swinney said:
“Whilst I am pleased that we have seen a nationwide reduction in drug deaths, there is no room for complacency.
“I am particularly pleased that there has been a significant drop in the number of drug deaths across Perth and Kinross, with today’s figures showing the lowest number of deaths since 2017. I would like to extend my thanks to all those who are working tirelessly in the local community to support those with addiction issues for their huge contribution to this improvement.
“It is important that we build on these positive trends both locally and on a national level. Every single drug death is an unacceptable tragedy that we must work to avoid. To that end, the Scottish Government will continue to do everything in our power to tackle this hugely important issue in the years ahead.”
Mr Fairlie added:
“It is extremely clear that much work still has to be done in order to tackle the unacceptably high number of drugs deaths in Scotland. However, I am pleased that progress across Perth and Kinross seems to be well ahead of the national trend and I will continue to engage with local partners to help build on this improvement.
Over the course of this Parliament, the Scottish Government is investing an additional £250m to help tackle the issue of excess drug deaths. While there is so much more work to do, every life saved means one less family grieving and it is vital that we use this halt in the upward trend of recent years as a platform for real change.”
NOTES
Data relating to drug deaths can be found via - https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data/statistics/statistics-by-theme/vital-events/deaths/drug-related-deaths-in-scotland/2021
