City tops UK drink deaths figures

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Glasgow has the worst record in Britain for deaths from drinking, according to figures from the Scottish Government.

The number of alcohol-related deaths in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area was 267% higher in 2008 than the national average of 13 per 100,000.

Most Scottish parliament constituencies - 64 of the 73 - also had more drink-related deaths than the UK average.

The Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale constituency had the lowest deaths in Scotland, at a third of the UK average.

The figures were released by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon in response to parliamentary questions.

They showed that the Glasgow Shettleston constituency had the worst drink-related death rate in the UK - 574% higher than the UK average.

In Glasgow Maryhill, the rate was more than four times the UK average at 420%, while the rate in Greenock and Inverclyde was 371% - almost four times higher.

For six Glasgow constituencies to be among the 10 highest death rates is a disturbing reality check for all politicians, professionals and the drinks industry Anne McLaughlinSNP MSP for Glasgow

The statistics showed just one of Scotland's health boards had an alcohol-related death rate lower than the UK average - the NHS Borders area, where the rate was 60%.

That compared to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, where the rate was nearly three times the national average.

SNP MSP for Glasgow, Anne McLaughlin, described the figures as "shocking" and said they illustrated the "scale of the challenge" faced in tackling alcohol abuse.

"With the death rate from alcohol nearly six times higher in Shettleston than in the UK as a whole and for six Glasgow constituencies to be among the 10 highest death rates is a disturbing reality check for all politicians, professionals and the drinks industry," she said.

"The scale of Glasgow's death toll from alcohol is shocking. These deaths take a huge personal toll on families in the city as well as our communities and public services."

The parliamentary question which resulted in the figures being announced, was asked by Joe Fitzpatrick, SNP MSP for Dundee West.

He said: "These figures expose for all to see the dramatic impact alcohol has on health in Scotland.

"There can be no doubt that we must take action on alcohol now before more lives are lost."