An Ayrshire MSP has condemned the "horrifying" number of alcohol related deaths in Ayrshire and Arran.

Sharon Dowey’s comments come after National Records of Scotland confirmed that 1,277 Scots lost their lives due to alcohol in 2023.

In Ayrshire & Arran, 80 people died from alcohol in 2023, while 1,369 have now died in the NHS Ayrshire & Arran health board region since 2007.

Sharon Dowey, Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for South Scotland, said: “The number of deaths due to alcohol in NHS Ayrshire & Arran remains disgracefully high. Behind these figures are families grieving the loss of a loved one and my thoughts are with them.

“The number of deaths in Scotland from alcohol are horrifying and have hit their highest level in 15 years. The SNP must finally accept that their flagship minimum unit pricing policy – designed to tackle Scotland’s alcohol crisis – has monumentally failed.

“Instead, SNP MSPs must finally give their backing to the Right to Recovery Bill, which will enshrine in law a right to treatment for all those struggling with addiction. The latest appalling level of deaths in Ayrshire & Arran should be the catalyst for them to ensure it becomes law.”

Jenni Minto, public health minister, said: “My sympathy goes out to all those who have lost a loved one through alcohol. The Scottish Government is determined to do all it can to reduce alcohol-related harm and we continue to treat it as an equal priority with drugs as a public health emergency.

“Research commended by internationally-renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading Minimum Unit Pricing policy has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions and contributed to tackling health inequalities. The forthcoming price increase to 65p per unit which takes account of inflation, was selected as we seek to continue and increase the positive effects of the policy.

“We are also taking a wide range of other measures including investing in alcohol treatment services, such as the innovative Managed Alcohol Programme pilot in Glasgow and continuing to engage with stakeholders on reducing children and young people’s exposure to alcohol marketing."