Drug-related deaths reached a record high in Scotland last year, according to new figures.
There were 706 drug-related deaths in 2015, a 15 per cent increase on 2014, when 613 people died.
The official statistics were released in a report by the National Records of Scotland investigating drug-related deaths.
Heroin
Almost three-quarters (73 per cent) of the deaths were among people over the age of 35.
Opiates or Opioids including heroin, morphine and methadone were implicated in the overwhelming majority of deaths (86 per cent) – more than ever before.
Aileen Campbell, Minister for Public Health and Sport, says the Scottish Parliament remains committed to tackling the problem.
Scourge
“This is a legacy of Scotland’s drug misuse which stretches back decades”, she said.
Campbell added: “We remain committed to tackling the scourge of illegal drugs and the damage they do to our communities, and to support those who are struggling with addiction.”