Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy Visits Murray’s Initiative Following Release of New Figures
This article is from Summer 2025, when Murray’s Initiative was known as Glasgow Council on Alcohol. Learn more about our new name here ➔
Scotland’s alcohol-related deaths have reached a five-year low, according to new statistics released by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) on the 23rd of September 2025. The figures show a 7% reduction from the previous year, with 1,185 alcohol-specific deaths registered in 2024 — the lowest number recorded since 2019.
While the decline marks welcome progress, the data also highlight stark inequalities. Men accounted for two-thirds of all deaths and those living in Scotland’s most deprived areas were 4.5 times more likely to die from alcohol-related causes than those in the least deprived. Glasgow City Council recorded the highest rate in Scotland, at 32.9 fatalities per 100,000 people.
These figures represent only part of the wider picture. Alcohol contributes to many more deaths through accidents, suicide, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Following the publication of the figures, Maree Todd, Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy, visited Murray’s Initiative (formerly Glasgow Council on Alcohol) to meet the team and learn more about the charity’s work supporting people affected by alcohol and other drug-related harm.
The Minister commended the charity’s contribution to harm reduction across Greater Glasgow and Clyde, while acknowledging that “leaders cannot become complacent.” She went on to say:
“Behind every number is a person, and my heartfelt condolences go out to those affected by the loss of a loved one through alcohol. This is a public health priority, and we are continuing to channel our energy towards reducing alcohol harm further. There is still a lot of work to be done to save and improve lives.”
Lesley Ross, Chief Executive of Murray’s Initiative, welcomed the visit and echoed the Minister’s call for sustained investment and support.
“We have a comprehensive range of services to reduce alcohol harm — from one-to-one counselling for individuals and families to community education, employability support for people in recovery and tailored services for women, young people and the LGBTQ+ community. We see the real impact of alcohol on health and wellbeing every day and remain committed to providing dedicated, person-centred support.”
As the conversation around alcohol and health continues, Murray’s Initiative remains committed to influencing policy, shaping prevention strategies and delivering compassionate, evidence-based support to those most affected.
