GRIEVING MOTHER OF TRAGIC

the National Records of Scotland. It was a 23 per cent increase on 2015 and more than double the 421 recorded in 2006.

Phyllis said: “Politicians have failed to deliver on their commitment to tackle the war against drugs.

“I was promised change when Andrew died but nothing has happened.

“The UK and Scottish governments must accept responsibility for the record numbers of people dying from overdoses. I feel they’re a direct result of the policy on drugs. More needs to be done.”

Phyllis still hopes lessons will be learned and is warning people who take ecstasy that they are playing Russian roulette.

She said: “It happened to my son, it can happen to anyone. You don’t know what’s in these drugs and the effects the pills can have.

“Taking drugs is an illegal act and people need to understand the potential consequences”

Phyllis, who is also mum to Colin, 32 and Caroline, 28, said there were times she didn’t want to get out of bed after losing Andrew. But having two children to look after helped her cope.

She said: “I had to keep going and one of the hardest things was clearing out Andrew’s room. I put his belongings in a suitcase and I still have it.

“My grandkids know all about Andrew and he’ll always be a part of our lives. I don’t want his memory to ever be forgotten.

“It breaks my heart he never got to achieve all of his dreams.”

The Scottish Government said latest figures showed drugtaking was falling, with use among young people staying low.

The spokesman added: “By investing more than £689million to tackle problem drug and alcohol use since 2008, we have supported local prevention, treatment and recovery services while also achieving significant reductions in treatment times.

“The Public Health Minister also outlined her intention to deliver a combined drug and alcohol treatment strategy.”