First Minister John Swinney calls Ayrshire drug statistics 'concerning'
First Minister John Swinney has said that recent trends in drugs-related hospital admissions and suspected deaths in Ayrshire are "concerning".
Statistics published by the Scottish Government last week revealed an increase in suspected drugs-related deaths in Ayrshire in the first quarter of 2025.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran have also previously warned of an increase in drugs-related hospital admissions.
Speaking exclusively to Ayrshire Live, Mr Swinney said the Scottish Government was supporting "many" community projects in Ayrshire to help people facing addiction, including the Ayr -based Harbour Ayrshire.
He said: "The level of drug deaths and circumstances of addiction in Scotland is far too high and our strategy is aimed at reducing that.
"There are a number of different ways in which we do that, some of which will be direct health care support when people are in moments of crisis.
"There will also be community projects that we support to enable them to make a significant impact on people's lives.
"Harbour Ayrshire is one example of that. There will be many others around Ayrshire and we are constantly identifying what are the most effective ways in which we can act and intervene to support people to be able to make better choices in life.
"That is the focus of the government's strategy. The statistics are far too high but the government is determined to continue to make sustained progress.
"Of course, statistics like that are concerning and that is why there is such a focused approach within government.
"I have just appointed Marie Todd as the new drugs and alcohol minister. She will take forward the government's strategy which remains very focused on supporting people to be able to be free of addiction.
"What I have seen here today is a very good example of how that can be delivered in practice."
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