SUICIDE RATES FALLS

THERE was an unprecedented drop in suicides in Scotland in 2014, according to official figures.

Suicides fell from 795 in 2013 to 696 in 2014, a fall of more than 12 per cent and the biggest yearon-year drop since recent records began. The large fall accelerated the steady downward trend in suicides since around the turn of number of alcohol-related deaths, but it does underline the importance of tackling the culture of heavy drinking in Scotland.

“The Scottish Government has made great strides to introduce a comprehensive alcohol strategy, but it will inevitably be less effective without measures to deal with the affordability of alcohol and the proliferation of cheap, high strength alcohol that fuels heavy drinking and causes the greatest harm.”

The number of alcohol-related deaths was relatively stable during the 1980s - at roughly the century and directly comparable suicides in 2014 were at their lowest since 1977. However, statisticians have advised the large fall in 2014 may not be maintained, with previous large falls often followed by rises.

The suicide rate, the number of suicides per head of population, has fallen by 17.8 per cent in the period 2000/04 to 2010/2014. 600 per year - but it increased rapidly during the 1990s and early 2000s.

The highest figure was recorded in 2006 there were 1,546 alcohol-related deaths.

Barbara O’donnell, acting chief executive at Alcohol Focus Scotland, said the figures were deeply concerning and more needed to be done to protect harmful drinkers.

She said: “Alcohol is a leading cause of ill health, injury and preventable death in Scotland. It is particularly sad that so many Scots die from alcohol-related diseases when they are only in