Story perspectives

Scotland Backs Decriminalising Personal Drug Use Amid Rise

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 10:21 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

First Minister John Swinney said his government supports decriminalising personal drug use.
National Records of Scotland recorded 1,133 drug-related deaths in 2025, 116 more than in 2024.
Swinney linked the 11% rise in deaths to intergenerational poverty, trauma and harmful synthetic drugs.
Scotland opened the Thistle, the first safer consumption facility in Glasgow, handling 195 medical emergencies.
Conservative leader Russell Findlay criticised the plan and called for increased rehabilitation funding.

1 of 1

Story summary

First Minister John Swinney said his government supports decriminalising personal drug use.
National Records of Scotland recorded 1,133 drug-related deaths in 2025, 116 more than in 2024.
Swinney linked the 11% rise in deaths to intergenerational poverty, trauma and harmful synthetic drugs.
Scotland opened the Thistle, the first safer consumption facility in Glasgow, handling 195 medical emergencies.
Conservative leader Russell Findlay criticised the plan and called for increased rehabilitation funding.