BOOZE DEATHS 'TIP OF ICEBERG'

Poorest five times more likely to die from drink

- JOHN DINGWALL

BOOZE deaths are almost five times higher among the poorest Scots compared with the richest, shock stats show.

National Records of Scotland figures revealed 1185 people died from alcohol-specific causes in 2024, a seven per cent drop from 2023's 15-year record high.

When the background of fatalities is examined, those from the poorest areas are 4.5 times more likely to die from alcohol than those in the richest areas.

Yesterday, the Scottish Government minister for drugs and alcohol, Maree Todd, admitted more had to be done.

She said: "The risk of death is greater for people living in higher areas of higher deprivation.