Drugs-related deaths at lowest level in seven years

Latest Ayrshire figures plummet by almost a quarter in 2024

- STEPHEN BARK

Drugs-related deaths in Ayrshire have fallen to their lowest level in seven years after decreasing by almost a quarter in 2024.

Figures released by the National Records of Scotland today, Tuesday, September 2, revealed that there had been 64 drugs-related deaths in the county in 2024 - down by 22.9 per cent on the previous year.

Having peaked in 2019 at 108 deaths, the figures for the county have steadily decreased over the last four years roughly in line with national statistics.

The Scottish Government have welcomed the decrease but have Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said “there is still work to be done”.

Both East and North Ayrshire saw decreases in the number of drugs-related deaths but the figures for South Ayrshire increased for the second year running.