SIXTEEN people lost their lives in Inverclyde last year due to drugs, a new report has revealed.

The district recorded the second highest number of deaths per 1,000 of population from drugs and alcohol in 2015, behind Dundee.

Prescribed heroin substitute methadone was implicated in – or potentially contributed to – nine of the deaths.

Cocaine and heroin were listed as contributing to three deaths and one death respectively.

These fatalities contributed to a national total of 706 drug-related deaths in Scotland – a record high.

The total number of drug deaths has risen by 15 per cent and Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan says the figures are cause for concern.

Mr McMillan said: “The statistics continue to show that drugs have a significant negative impact on our communities across Scotland, claiming lives and devastating families. Clearly these are alarming figures and unfortunately, despite considerable efforts, the problems giving rise to these fatalities have continued.”

Mr McMillan said the report showed that ‘the time has come for action at all levels’.

He added: “New resources are required and ownership of this national problem at a high level must now be seen.

“In Scotland there is a timely new initiative, the Partnership for Action on Drugs, chaired by the minister for public health and sport, which incorporates a harm committee, taking a special interest in drug-related deaths.

"This is likely to inform treatment services, health boards and the Scottish

Government of expectations and opportunities for improvement.”