UKs first legal drugs consumption room to open in Glasgow

The UK’s first legal drugs consumption room is to open its doors in Glasgow.

The Thistle Centre will provide a space where drug users can take illegal substances such as heroin and cocaine under medical supervision in a clean and hygienic environment.

The Scottish Government hopes those who attend the pilot facility can be encouraged to seek support to overcome their addiction.

Staff will also be able to assist anyone who suffers an overdose.

From Monday, the centre, in Hunter Street in the east end, will be open to users from 9am to 9pm, 365 days a year.

The centre will be supported with £2 million of Scottish Government cash each year.

Speaking during a tour of the facility last week First Minister John Swinney said: “I hope it will help us to reduce drugs deaths in Scotland and to help people to find a different route in their lives.

“We will evaluate the effectiveness of this particular intervention to determine what progress is achieved as a consequence of it, what impact it has had, and to learn the lessons from it.”

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “I hope that this will be another tool in our box in reducing the harm and reducing the level of drug-related deaths that we see in Scotland, and that the pilot will be successful.

“Critically I want this to be a facility that is well used. I want there to be a confidence in the community about coming here.”

Published: 13/01/2025 by Radio NewsHub