The number of people in Aberdeenshire whose death was caused by alcohol has risen to the highest since records began 45 years ago.
Scottish Conservative deputy health spokesperson and North East MSP Tess White said the figures, released today by the National Records of Scotland, were “utterly shocking” and underlined that minimum unit pricing wasn’t working for the region.
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A total of 37 people died from conditions caused by alcohol across Aberdeenshire in 2023 – the highest since 1979 when records were first recorded.
The number of deaths caused by alcohol in Aberdeenshire has almost doubled in the last decade, rising from 20 in 2013.
In the Highlands, 53 people died from issues relating to alcohol, while 45 deaths were recorded in Aberdeen, 36 in Dundee, 29 in Angus and 19 in Moray.
Across Scotland in 2023, annual deaths caused by alcohol misuse in Scotland hit their highest level since 2008, with 1,277 occurring.
Scottish Conservative deputy health spokesperson and North East MSP Tess White said: “It is utterly appalling that the highest number of deaths have been caused by alcohol across Aberdeenshire since records began.
“These devastating figures should be a source of shame for the SNP government and show the North East isn’t immune to problems associated with alcohol, with people needlessly dying every month.
“It’s clear the Scottish Government’s flagship policy of minimum unit pricing is simply not working and has proved to be nothing more than a blunt instrument to tackling a serious and complex problem.
“The SNP government should be focussing on taking bold action, both on prevention and making sure the right support is in place for people.
“Recent cuts in funding to local alcohol and drugs partnerships, coupled with growing mental health issues among people, have escalated the problem which is embedded within our society.
“That is why the Scottish Conservatives are determined to introduce a Right to Recovery Bill, to guarantee everyone gets the treatment they need.”
