The UK’s first safer drug consumption room (SDCR) has officially opened in Glasgow, marking a significant step in addressing Scotland’s drug-related deaths crisis. Known as The Thistle, the facility provides a supervised, hygienic environment for drug users to consume substances, including heroin, under medical supervision. Supported by the Scottish government with an annual commitment of up to £2.3 million, the initiative aims to reduce drug-related harms, including overdoses and the spread of blood-borne viruses such as HIV, while connecting users with critical healthcare and recovery services.
Scotland’s drug crisis has reached alarming levels, with the National Records of Scotland reporting 1,172 drug-related deaths in 2023, a 12% increase from the previous year. Glasgow has been particularly affected, prompting the launch of The Thistle as an innovative harm-reduction measure. Located at Hunter Street Health Centre in Glasgow’s east end, the facility operates 365 days a year from 9 AM to 9 PM, offering a safe space and a wide range of support for those battling addiction.
First Minister John Swinney, speaking ahead of the facility’s official opening, praised the project as a “significant step forward” in tackling the crisis. He acknowledged that The Thistle is not a “silver bullet” but emphasized its role in complementing broader efforts to reduce drug-related harms and deaths. Swinney also highlighted the involvement of individuals with lived experience in shaping the facility’s design and operations, ensuring it effectively meets the needs of its users.
The Thistle offers more than just supervised injection booths. In addition to its eight injection bays, the facility includes recovery areas, private chatrooms, a lounge with books and hot drinks, a shower room, a clothing bank, and an outdoor smoking shelter. Users can also access medical care in two dedicated health rooms, such as wound treatment and blood-borne virus testing. Staff and representatives from support organizations are on-site to assist individuals with addiction recovery, housing, and other social services.
The facility does not supply drugs, requiring users to bring their substances. However, by providing a safe and controlled environment, it aims to reduce the risks of overdose, infection, and public drug use. The project draws inspiration from similar initiatives in other cities that have successfully reduced drug-related harms and healthcare costs.
Dr. Saket Priyadarshi, associate medical director for alcohol and drug services at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, emphasized the potential impact of The Thistle. He noted that evidence from cities with comparable issues shows that such facilities can prevent drug deaths, stem the spread of HIV, and significantly reduce public drug litter. Priyadarshi highlighted that the first six months of operation will be critical for learning and adapting services to meet users’ needs, with an independent evaluation planned to assess the facility’s impact on the community.
The concept for The Thistle was first proposed in 2016, following Glasgow’s largest HIV outbreak among drug users in over 30 years. However, legal and political challenges delayed its implementation. The project only moved forward in 2023 after Scotland’s Lord Advocate, Dorothy Bain KC, determined that prosecuting individuals for drug possession within the facility would not be in the public interest. Bain emphasized that the facility provides an opportunity to connect vulnerable individuals with support services but clarified that the policy does not extend to activities outside the site. She reassured residents that supply offenses and other crimes would continue to be enforced by Police Scotland.
The Thistle represents a significant shift in how Scotland addresses drug addiction, focusing on harm reduction rather than punitive measures. By creating a safe and supportive environment, the facility offers a lifeline to those struggling with addiction while addressing broader public health concerns. Public health experts and government officials believe that The Thistle could serve as a model for other cities dealing with similar issues.
The opening of The Thistle marks a new chapter in Scotland’s approach to drug addiction. By prioritizing harm reduction, community support, and public health, Glasgow is setting a precedent for how to tackle the drug crisis effectively and compassionately. The facility offers hope to individuals and communities most affected by the epidemic, paving the way for a more inclusive and humane response to addiction.
