A PIONEERING scheme to tackle Scotland’s shocking record of deaths from drug abuse and addiction will launch in Glasgow on Monday with the opening of a “safer drugs consumption room” at the city’s Thistle Centre.

The initiative, which will cost the Scottish government £2 million a year, has been hailed by Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney as a “significant step forward” in efforts to tackle the country’s drug problem.

The centre will allow addicts to take drugs under supervision in a clean and hygienic environment, with medical help available if there are problems. It will provide access to help for addicts.