Drug deaths in Scotland hit record levels

The number of drug deaths in Scotland has soared to record levels for the seventh year in a row, with more than 1,300 people losing their lives to drugs.

The problem is far worse in the country’s least affluent areas where people are 18 times more likely to die than those who are better off.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called it a “national disgrace”, admitting her government had not done enough to tackle the crisis.