Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
3rd report - Problem drug use in Scotland follow-up: Glasgow’s Safer Drug Consumption Facility
Scottish Affairs Committee
HC 630
Published 16 September 2025
Conclusions (2)
2
Conclusion
Deferred
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 …
Government Response 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.
3
Conclusion
Deferred
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 …
Government Response 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.