Scotcast - Why are drugs deaths down?

Scotland has the unwanted label of being Europe’s drug death capital for the seventh year in a row.

But is there reason for optimism as latest figures for 2024 show a significant drop in drug-related deaths?

Former head of the Scotland’s drug death task force, Professor Catriona Matheson (pictured), tells us how we got here - and what needs to be done to save even more lives.

And as concerns are raised about police uniforms, Natalie questions Martin’s sartorial choices on behalf and a concerned audience member.

Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast, with Martin Geissler, Laura Miller and Natalie Higgins.

Get in touch with us by emailing scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Published on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025.

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