Scotland recorded the highest rate in Europe
Drugs deaths in Scotland have reached a record high, with more people dying due to substance abuse in 2020.
A total of 1,339 deaths last year were attributed to drugs, up from 1,264, new statistics have revealed.
This was down slightly on the increase between 2018 and 2019 of 6%.
The annual statistics from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) show the rate of deaths in Scotland is some 3½ times that of the UK as a whole.
It is also higher than any other European country.
As figures rise again across the country, the number of drug-related deaths per million people in Dundee fell compared to 2020.
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John Alexander, leader of Dundee City Council.
In a joint statement of intent, those involved promise to continue “to reduce the awful harm that drugs can cause and improve lives with kindness, compassion and hope”.
Councillor John Alexander, chair of the Dundee Partnership said: “This powerful collective message of support from leaders of our key agencies is a signal of how determined we all are to maintain progress in turning the situation around and saving lives.
“Like them, I am impressed by the commitment of our staff across agencies who, during the biggest health emergency of our lifetimes, have applied innovation and creativity to deliver services in new and pioneering ways.”
Updated: April 20, 2021, 4:26 pm
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Christmas festivities in Dundee s City Square.
Money from Dundee’s historic Common Good Fund could be used to support communities throughout the city as they begin to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.
And it could lead to Dundonians reaping the benefits at Christmas time with the city’s Festive Fund among the local groups and projects earmarked for cash.
Dundee Christmas lights switch on 2019. =
Councillors will be asked on Monday April 26 to back a report that would mean £87,000 would be available for one-off investments in projects across the city.
A spokesman for the council said it is proposed that projects for the coming year should have a focus on pandemic recovery.