THE number of deaths caused by alcohol has remained the same in Argyll and Bute, according to new figures.
The statistics published by National Records of Scotland revealed that the local authority had 22 deaths last year, which is the same figure as in 2023.
The total marks a reduction for the region compared to previous years, and is also a seven per cent decrease from 2023's 15-year record high for the country.
The data shows that across Scotland as a whole, there were 1,185 alcohol-specific deaths registered last year - a decrease of seven per cent (92 deaths) compared with the previous 12 months.
That was the lowest number of alcohol-specific deaths registered in any year since 2019.
Male deaths continued to account for about two-thirds of the fatalities, but both male and female alcohol deaths decreased in the past year.
Maree Todd, drugs and alcohol policy minister, said that while Scotland was making progress on tackling harms caused by alcohol, the government "cannot become complacent".
She also offered her "heartfelt condolences" to those affected by the loss of a loved one through alcohol.
She said: "It is welcome to see the number of deaths at the lowest level since 2019 and we are continuing to work closely with local Alcohol and Drugs Partnerships (ADPs) and other stakeholders to provide targeted, person-centred support, backed by record levels of funding of around £160m this year.
"However, while we are making progress on tackling the harms caused by alcohol, we cannot become complacent."
She added that it was a "public health priority" in Scotland and said the country's Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) policy had "saved hundreds of lives and is likely to have averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions".
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Alcohol-specific deaths are those which are confirmed to be from the direct consequence of booze consumption. Other deaths, which could include drug use or major health conditions alongside alcohol use, do not form part of the statistics.
Alcohol-specific deaths have consistently been more common in deprived areas of the country.
The report confirmed that people in the most deprived parts of Scotland were 4.5 times more likely to die of an alcohol-specific death than people in the least deprived areas in 2024, after adjusting for age.
However, the ratio of alcohol-specific deaths in the most and least deprived areas has fallen over the last two decades. The highest ratio was 8.7 in 2002.
And last year, WithYou, an organisation that works in Argyll and Bute to tackle problems with alcohol, said the country's "drinking culture" needed to change to save lives.
The charity has bases in Helensburgh, Oban and Dunoon but works across the area and they help adults living with the challenges of alcohol or drugs.
They urged residents to consider their relationship with alcohol and make changes to help themselves and loved ones.
Yvonne McLeod, service manager at WithYou in Argyll and Bute, said: “People who refuse a drink - whether it’s because they’re trying to stop, cut down, or they just don’t fancy it - are often encouraged to join in.
“Please take time to think about how difficult that might be for someone who is struggling with their drinking. Our social lives don’t need to revolve around alcohol and people should feel comfortable saying no.”
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