Dumfries and Galloway has recorded a rise in the number of alcohol deaths.
Official figures released by National Records of Scotland revealed there were 1,245 alcohol-specific fatalities reported in 2021 – the highest number since 2008.
And the region had 25 drink-related deaths last year compared to 24 in 2020.
Gallloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson described the figures as “worrying” .
He said: “Clearly more needs to be done to help tackle this increase in alcohol deaths with greater resources and help being provided immediately to address this problem.
“What these figures show is further confirmation of the grip alcohol has over Scotland. Furthermore it reveals that it is the poorest who are being let down most by the SNP Government’s failure to get on top of this crisis.”
The national increase represents a five per cent rise on the 2020 total of 1,190 and figures equate to a rate of 22.3 deaths per 100,000 of the population – the highest in the UK.
And statistics also show that the rate was 5.6 times higher in the most deprived areas compared to the least deprived.
Scottish Government ministers introduced a minimum 50p-per-unit cost on alcohol in May 2018 claiming it would save hundreds of lives.
But a report by Public Health Scotland in June found “no clear evidence” that it had caused problem drinkers to change their ways.
Instead it found many were going without food or heating and even selling off their possessions to fund their dependence on alcohol.
Dr Rebecca Lawrence, of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, said: “These latest statistics are truly alarming and may only be the tip of the iceberg.
“Working on the frontline, we know alcohol-related hospital admissions remain high and the pandemic has only exacerbated the problem.
“Minimum unit pricing has a good evidence base but should be part of a range of measures. It’s positive that pricing is currently being looked at again as those who are dependent, continue to drink.
