Aberdeenshire alcohol deaths hit ‘appalling’ record high
The number of people in Aberdeenshire whose death was caused by alcohol has risen to the highest since records began 45 years ago.
A total of 37 people died from conditions caused by alcohol across Aberdeenshire in 2023 – the highest since 1979 when records were first recorded.
In Moray, 19 people died from alcohol-related causes, up from 13 the previous year. In the Highlands, 53 people died from issues relating to alcohol, while 45 deaths were recorded in Aberdeen, 36 in Dundee and 29 in Angus.
Scottish Conservative deputy health spokesperson and North East MSP Tess White said the figures, which have been released by the National Records of Scotland, were “utterly shocking” and underlined that minimum unit pricing was not working for the region.
The number of deaths caused by alcohol in Aberdeenshire has almost doubled in the last decade, rising from 20 in 2013.
Across Scotland in 2023, annual deaths caused by alcohol misuse in Scotland hit their highest level since 2008, with 1,277 occurring.
Ms 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.”
Banffshire and Buchan Coast SNP MSP Karen Adam described the current situation as “deeply tragic”, highlighting that minimum pricing was just one part of the overall strategy to tackle alcohol deaths.
She said: “It is deeply tragic and saddening that so many lives in Aberdeenshire, and across Scotland, have been lost due to alcohol-related causes.
“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones who are grieving. Every life lost to alcohol is one too many, and it serves as a painful reminder of the devastating toll that substance misuse can take on individuals and communities.
“These figures highlight the urgent need for continued and enhanced support for those struggling with alcohol dependency, and we must all work together to ensure that no one is left behind in their journey toward recovery.
“It is important to recognise that Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) is just one tool in the wider strategy to tackle alcohol-related harm. Evidence from Alcohol Focus Scotland and Public Health Scotland clearly shows that MUP has contributed positively to reducing harmful drinking behaviours, saving lives, and decreasing hospital admissions.
“While the rise in alcohol deaths is concerning, it would be inaccurate to dismiss the significant impact that MUP has had, especially for those most vulnerable to alcohol misuse.
“The Scottish Government remains committed to not only continuing MUP but also increasing support and funding for Alcohol and Drug Partnerships, as well as other essential services aimed at preventing and treating alcohol misuse. We are taking bold steps in Scotland, but the complexity of alcohol-related harm means that a multifaceted approach is necessary, one that balances prevention with comprehensive treatment and care.”
