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Problem drug use in Scotland follow-up: Glasgow’s Safer Drug Consumption Facility

Status: Closed Opened: 13 Jan 2025 Closed: 1 Dec 2025 9 recommendations 12 conclusions 1 report

This inquiry is examining the legal and policy challenges faced in setting up and running the pilot Safer Drugs Consumption Facility (SDCF) which opened in Glasgow in January 2025. This inquiry will examine the case for the facility, as well as its medical effectiveness in reducing drug-related harm in Scotland. The Committee will consider the … Show more

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Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
3rd report - Problem drug use in Scotland follow-up: Glasgo… HC 630 16 Sep 2025 21 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

2 items
2 Conclusion 3rd report - Problem drug use in Scotla… Deferred

Mandate independent evaluation findings determine future of The Thistle safe drug consumption facility.

We recognise that the opening of The Thistle on a pilot-basis presents an opportunity to test the effectiveness of SDCFs in Glasgow’s unique context. We believe the evidence provided by the independent evaluation panel should be determinative in discussions about The Thistle’s future beyond the three-year pilot. If the evaluation … Read more

Government response AI summary
The government deflected by discussing a Home Office licence issued for drug checking services at 55 Hunter Street, Glasgow, while clarifying that this licence does not cover The Thistle's safer drug consumption service.
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Scotland Office
3 Conclusion 3rd report - Problem drug use in Scotla… Deferred

Articulate The Thistle's rationale and objectives clearly and consistently to improve public understanding.

A range of rationales have been given for why there is a need for The Thistle and what effect it is intended to have. This has been unhelpful to public understanding of the facility and may result in unrealistic expectations of its impact. Moving forward, it is imperative that the … Read more

Government response AI summary
The government deflected by reiterating its commitment to an evidence-based drug policy and highlighting existing successful programs, rather than addressing the clarity of The Thistle facility's rationale and objectives as recommended.
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Scotland Office

Oral evidence sessions

4 sessions
Date Witnesses
4 Jun 2025 Laura Zeballos · Scottish Government, Marcus Starling · Home Office, Neil Gray MSP · Scottish Government, Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP · Home Office View ↗
7 May 2025 Dorothy Bain KC, The Lord Advocate, Jenny Hamilton · Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Superintendent Joanne McEwan, Police Scotland View ↗
5 Mar 2025 Councillor Allan Casey · Glasgow City Council, Dr Saket Priyadarshi · NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Kelda Gaffney · Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership, Lynn MacDonald · NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde View ↗
12 Feb 2025 Andrew McAuley · Glasgow Caledonian University, Catriona Matheson · The University of Stirling, Gillian Shorter · Queen’s University Belfast, Vittal Katikireddi · The University of Glasgow View ↗

Who gave evidence

15 witnesses
WitnessOrganisationSessions
Andrew McAuley · Professor of Public Health Glasgow Caledonian University 1
Catriona Matheson · Professor in Substance Use The University of Stirling 1
Councillor Allan Casey · City Convener for Workforce and Homelessness and … Glasgow City Council 1
Dorothy Bain KC, The Lord Advocate — 1
Dr Saket Priyadarshi · Associate Medical Director, Alcohol and Drug Reco… NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 1
Gillian Shorter · Reader in Clinical Psychology Queen’s University Belfast 1
Jenny Hamilton · Policy and Engagement Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service 1
Kelda Gaffney · Interim Assistant Chief Officer, Adult Services &… Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership 1
Laura Zeballos · Deputy Director, Drugs Policy Division Scottish Government 1
Lynn MacDonald · Service Manager NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 1
Marcus Starling · Deputy Director of the Drug Misuse Unit, Crime Re… Home Office 1
Neil Gray MSP · Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Scottish Government 1
Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP · Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention Home Office 1
Superintendent Joanne McEwan, Police Scotland — 1
Vittal Katikireddi · Professor of Public Health & Health Inequalities The University of Glasgow 1

Correspondence

3 letters
DateDirectionTitle
3 Sep 2025 To cttee Letter from Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention regarding Thistle Licen…
19 Mar 2025 To cttee Letter from Annemarie Ward, CEO of Faces & Voices of Recovery UK, regarding ora…
12 Feb 2025 — Correspondence to the Chair from Fiona McIntyre, Royal Pharmaceutical Society S…

Meetings & visits

1 item
DateTypeDetail
3 Sep 2025 Formal meeting (private meeting) — · The Grimond Room, Portcullis House