MINISTERS must act now to ensure the level of alcohol-related deaths do not spiral out of control after they rose to the highest level for more than a decade, MSPs have said.

National Records of Scotland statistics show there were 1,190 alcohol-specific deaths registered in Scotland in 2020, 170 more than the previous year.

The rate was four times higher in the most deprived areas and the increase was mainly driven by male deaths: the figure for women was static.

The current figures are the highest since 2008, prompting Scottish Labour to say that ministers must act now to get services back on track and tackle the root social causes of alcohol misuse.

Scottish Labour deputy leader and health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie said: “It’s clear that the pandemic has caused the number of alcohol-related deaths to rise and everything possible must be done to get treatment and rehabilitation services back on track.

“With deaths four times higher in the most deprived areas it is obvious that action is needed, not only to reduce alcohol-related harm and deaths, but to tackle the underlying causes of alcohol misuse.”

The Scottish Greens called for action on the marketing and promotion of alcohol, as well as a rethink of the minimum unit-pricing model. 

Party health spokeswoman Gillian Mackay said: “Every one of these deaths is a devastating loss to a family left behind. 

“We need to recognise the role that poverty and mental health plays in this, providing earlier treatment and support where it is needed.”

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said lockdown had led to people who were drinking heavily consuming even more, claiming progress had been made in recent years. 

She said the government and organisations are working to get services back to pre-pandemic levels.