Drug death rates in Perth and Kinross have dropped to their lowest levels since 2017, according to newly-released figures.
Statistics released by National Records of Scotland show 34 people in the region died in 2020, compared to 20 in 2021.
A total of 19 died in 2017 from drug misuse, while the lowest number of annual deaths highlighted by NRS in their report, dating back 11 years, is three in 2013 and 2010.
The figures also show that drug deaths have fallen by one per cent across Scotland in the past year, ending a seven-year period of year-on-year increases.
Dundee City had the highest age-standardised drug misuse death rate of all local authority areas (45.2 per 100,000 population for the 5-year period 2017-2021), followed by Glasgow City (44.4) and Inverclyde (35.7).
Perthshire North MSP and Covid recovery secretary John Swinney and Perthshire South and Kinross-shire MSP Jim Fairlie welcomed the drop but urged against complacency.
Mr Swinney said: “Whilst I am pleased that we have seen a nationwide reduction in drug deaths, there is no room for complacency.
“I am particularly pleased that there has been a significant drop in the number of drug deaths across Perth and Kinross, with today’s figures showing the lowest number of deaths since 2017.
“I would like to extend my thanks to all those who are working tirelessly in the local community to support those with addiction issues for their huge contribution to this improvement.
“It is important that we build on these positive trends both locally and on a national level. Every single drug death is an unacceptable tragedy that we must work to avoid.
“To that end, the Scottish Government will continue to do everything in our power to tackle this hugely important issue in the years ahead.”
Mr Fairlie added: “It is extremely clear that much work still has to be done in order to tackle the unacceptably high number of drugs deaths in Scotland.
“However, I am pleased that progress across Perth and Kinross seems to be well ahead of the national trend and I will continue to engage with local partners to help build on this improvement.
“Over the course of this parliament, the Scottish Government is investing an additional £250m to help tackle the issue of excess drug deaths.
“While there is so much more work to do, every life saved means one less family grieving and it is vital that we use this halt in the upward trend of recent years as a platform for real change.”
