The Glasgow health and social care partnership service would be based at a hub on the same site as the UK’s first Safer Drug Consumption Facility, which is scheduled to open later this year.

The Glasgow drug-checking service would allow dependent drug users to submit a drug sample which will then be tested to identify the substance. HSCP staff at the site will then be able to provide specific health and harm-reduction information directly to people who have come in.

It follows applications from organisations in Aberdeen and Dundee for similar facilities earlier this year. Scottish government funding of £1 million has been committed to establish the three sites.

Speaking during a visit to the site of the Glasgow hub, drugs minister Christina McKelvie said: “Glasgow’s licence application is a welcome milestone.

“Drug-checking facilities would enable us to respond faster to emerging drug trends – which is particularly important given the presence of highly dangerous, super-strong synthetic opioids like nitazenes in an increasingly toxic and unpredictable drug supply. These increase the risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death, and are being found in a range of substances.

“We’re taking a wide range of measures to reduce harm and save lives – including the opening of a Safe Drug Consumption Facility pilot in Glasgow, supported by £2.3 million in ringfenced funding. I was pleased to see the progress that has been made and I’m grateful to everyone involved for their hard work.

“This facility is not a silver bullet. But we know from evidence from more than 100 facilities worldwide that they work.”