David Strang

Mr Strang was also HM Chief Inspector of Prisons in Scotland. He takes up this new position with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, the first step towards the development of a new proposal on how a safer drug consumption room might work within existing legislation has been made.

Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership has now provided the details of a new service proposal in relation to a potential safer drug consumption facility. The Scottish government, working closely with Police Scotland and the Crown Office, and in line with the recent statement from the Lord Advocate, is examining this proposal to consider how any such facility would operate and be policed. Once this work is completed, a final proposal will be put to the Lord Advocate for consideration.

Drugs policy minister Angela Constance said: “This change in leadership marks a new chapter for what has been a valued contributor to work being done all across Scotland and I want to thank the former chair and vice-chair for the part they have played in shaping our collective response to reducing drug-related deaths.”

She added: “I am pleased we are also moving forward with our commitment to establish a safer drug consumption room to operate within the current legal framework. A new service proposal in Glasgow has been provided and we are continuing to work closely with the Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership, the police and Crown Office to ensure we have a sustainable approach which is clinically and legally safe for staff and those using it.

“We are serious about this commitment as we know these facilities have a strong evidence base in saving lives and helping some of our most vulnerable people. A fresh proposal will be made to the Lord Advocate once further detail on operation and policing is developed.”

Mr Strang said: “Every premature death as a result of drug use is a tragedy for individuals, their families and communities. The Drug Deaths Taskforce is making a significant contribution to improving Scotland’s response to drug deaths and how they can be prevented. I am keen to enable the taskforce to continue this important work.”