The Daily Record has led the way in exposing the country’s tragic drugs -related death toll. Figures released yesterday also confirm Scotland’s problematic relationship with booze.
New stats show 1245 people died from alcohol -related deaths in 2021 – up five per cent from the previous 12 months. It was also the highest number of deaths in 13 years.
As Labour MSP Jackie Baillie said: “Each and every one of these deaths is a tragedy, and it is heartbreaking to see things getting worse instead of better.”
Part of the rise can be explained by the pandemic and lockdown. Drinking at home became more prevalent when pubs and restaurants were shut.
But the link to poverty is as stark as ever, with death rates far higher in the most deprived areas. Cutting poverty levels, which requires progressive policies from Holyrood and Westminster, would help in the battle against this scourge.
The figures are also demoralising as action has been taken to deal with Scotland’s problems with the bottle. Minimum unit pricing and other measures were hailed as game changers, but progress has been slow.
As with its approach on drug deaths, the Scottish Government needs to review its strategy on alcohol abuse. More money is urgently needed to help people who have become dependent.
Scotland is either top or close to the top of some of the wrong league tables. Alcohol abuse causes devastation for families and tackling it must be a priority for Ministers.
Pride of Scotland
Athlete Eilish McColgan delivered one of the great moments of Scottish sport when she took gold at the Commonwealth Games. It was a sublime moment for the nation to savour and is as thrilling to watch back as it was live on that wonderful Wednesday.
Eilish timed her run to perfection to edge out Kenya’s Irine Cheptai in a quite thrilling 10,000m final. Her incredible final lap was roared on by a passionate Birmingham crowd that created the perfect backdrop to a very special triumph.
Eilish emulated her mother’s achievement 36 years ago and Liz was in the stadium to see the drama unfold.
Who could fail to be moved by the image of a proud mother kissing her daughter as she stood there having achieved greatness? Eilish, like her mum all those years ago, has done Scotland proud.
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