Dumfries and Galloway has recorded an increase within the variety of alcohol deaths.
Official figures launched by Nationwide Data of Scotland revealed there have been 1,245 alcohol-specific fatalities reported in 2021 – the best quantity since 2008.
And the area had 25 drink-related deaths final yr in comparison with 24 in 2020.
Gallloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson described the figures as “worrying” .
He mentioned: “Clearly extra must be carried out to assist sort out this improve in alcohol deaths with larger sources and assist being offered instantly to deal with this downside.
“What these figures present is additional affirmation of the grip alcohol has over Scotland. Moreover it reveals that it's the poorest who're being let down most by the SNP Authorities’s failure to get on high of this disaster.”
The nationwide improve represents a 5 per cent rise on the 2020 whole of 1,190 and figures equate to a fee of twenty-two.3 deaths per 100,000 of the inhabitants – the best within the UK.
And statistics additionally present that the speed was 5.6 occasions larger in probably the most disadvantaged areas in comparison with the least disadvantaged.
Scottish Authorities ministers launched a minimal 50p-per-unit price on alcohol in Could 2018 claiming it will save a whole lot of lives.
However a report by Public Well being Scotland in June discovered “no clear proof” that it had brought on downside drinkers to vary their methods.
As a substitute it discovered many have been going with out meals or heating and even promoting off their possessions to fund their dependence on alcohol.
Dr Rebecca Lawrence, of the Royal School of Psychiatrists in Scotland, mentioned: “These newest statistics are actually alarming and should solely be the tip of the iceberg.
“Engaged on the frontline, we all know alcohol-related hospital admissions stay excessive and the pandemic has solely exacerbated the issue.
“Minimal unit pricing has an excellent proof base however must be a part of a spread of measures. It’s optimistic that pricing is presently being checked out once more as those that are dependent, proceed to drink.