Drugs room to open in capital

LABOUR-run Edinburgh council is set to follow the SNP's example and open a controversial drugs consumption room.

- David Walker

Glasgow became the first city in the UK to install one earlier this year, with addicts at The Thistle given free range to shoot up illegal substances under the supervision of medical professionals.

Cited as a pilot programme, it is being run jointly by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde as well as SNP-controlled Glasgow City Council.

Its impact will be assessed in two years, with the £2.3million facility slated by residents in nearby Calton who say there has been a rise in discarded needles.

A report by Edinburgh City Council even admits that locals will be concerned about the creation of a fix room in the capital.