The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
‘We must do better’ on drug deaths crisis and suicides: Moderator
Scotland’s Kirk moderator is to press political leaders to redouble their efforts to tackle the nation’s “appalling” drug deaths and suicide record.
In a series of online meetings with MSPS today, the Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair will seek answers over what action has and will be taken to curb the rising toll of tragedy.
A total of 1,264 people in Scotland died of drug misuse in 2019, a 6% increase on the previous year.
There were 833 probable suicides in Scotland in 2019, up from 784 the previous year.
Dr Fair, minister of St Andrew’s Church in Arbroath, has been at the forefront of supporting people living with addictions in the Angus town since 2006.
He set up the Havilah Project at the church, which also provides mental health support services introduced after the suicide of Frightened Rabbit frontman Scott Hutchison in 2018.
The moderator will also urge party leaders to recognise that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a “disproportionate impact” on vulnerable people in the most deprived communities.
The Church of Scotland believes the response to the recovery must focus on a renewed effort to tackle poverty and not just putting the world back to the way it was.
Dr Fair is holding online meetings with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross, Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Willie Rennie and Patrick Harvie, coconvener of the Scottish Greens.
He will also be speaking with Holyrood presiding officer Ken Macintosh as part of the moderator’s annual visit to the Scottish Parliament.
Dr Fair said: “The Church is glad that the Scottish Government has worked with us closely throughout the pandemic to try and keep people safe.
“I am looking forward to discussing the many brilliant ways in which the Church has been involved in community cohesion and support efforts.
“Given my own particular interests, I look forward to discussing how the parliament’s recent decision to declare a ‘mental health crisis’ can lead to meaningful action.”
Dr Fair met Scott Hutchison’s mother, Marion, last September to discuss mental health issues.
“I also want to ask the first minister and party leaders about strategies to tackle Scotland’s appalling drugs deaths and suicide figures,” he said.
“I’m first and foremost a parish minister and these subjects are ever before me in the lives of real people.
“We’ve got to do better.”