An MSP has slammed figures that 80 alcohol-specific-deaths were reported in Ayrshire and Arran in 2023.

Figures from the National Records of Scotland reveal that the numbers have dropped marginally from 86 in 2022. 

More action must be taken to tackle problem drinking to bring down alcohol related deaths, according to South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth.

He said: “We shouldn’t forget that every one of these numbers represents the loss of someone who was much loved and who leaves behind grieving family and friends. My thoughts are with them.

“Action is needed to tackle problem drinking.

“Ayrshire and Arran has seen a small drop in the numbers of alcohol related deaths recorded in the region compared to last year, which is positive but there is more still to be done.

“Action is needed to tackle problem drinking to stop these preventable deaths. We need to see better access to recovery services to reduce alcohol-related harm and deaths, but also tackle the underlying causes of alcohol misuse.

“These figures come on the back of the recent drug related death statistics and show just how badly we are tackling the health crisis caused by alcohol and drugs.

“For too long the Scottish Government has failed to properly resource alcohol support services and it must implement measures beyond minimum unit pricing, including sensible restrictions on marketing and restoring the cuts made to alcohol treatment budgets, to address Scotland’s problematic and deadly relationship with alcohol."

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “My sympathy goes out to all those who have lost a loved one through alcohol. The Scottish Government is determined to do all it can to reduce alcohol-related harm and we continue to treat it as an equal priority with drugs as a public health emergency.

“We are also taking a wide range of other measures including investing in alcohol treatment services, such as the innovative Managed Alcohol Programme pilot in Glasgow and continuing to engage with stakeholders on reducing children and young people’s exposure to alcohol marketing.

“We have provided a record £112 million to Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADP) for treatment and support this year. We are also making £100 million available for investment in residential rehabilitation and have provided ADPs with £5 million a year until 2025-26 to increase access to detox facilities along with a new Additional Placement fund which targets ADPs facing the greatest demand.”