Alcohol deaths have increased across Scotland in the last year.

Official statistics show there were 1,276 alcohol-specific deaths registered in Scotland in 2022.

The total is an increase of 2%, up by 31 on 2021. Female deaths rose by 31 to 440, with male deaths unchanged at 836.

In East Renfrewshire, the five-year average number of deaths between 2018 and 2022 was 61.

The figure was the same as for 2017 to 2021 but a slight increase from five years ago when it was 58 deaths for the years 2013 to 2017.

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Elena Whitham, drug and alcohol policy minister, said: “Every life lost is a tragedy and my sympathy goes to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through alcohol.  

“While we will need to better understand the reasons for this increase in deaths, I will do all I can to reduce alcohol-related harm.

“We will continue to work closely with Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) and the third sector to address this public health priority, backed by substantial investment.

“This year £113 million will be made available to ADPs to support local and national initiatives ensuring that local services can respond to local needs.”