Project will bring gardens back to life
A rehab village for drug addicts and alcoholics is officially open in Auchincruive. Independence from Drugs and Alcohol Scotland ( IFDAS) has bought 48 acres at the rural estate to house 40 recovering addicts.
It is the first long- term residential rehab village in the UK and is based on projects in Italy, Sweden and the US.
The neglected gardens will be transformed into one of the best in Scotland again thanks to the project.
MSP Emma Harper helped plant a tree during the opening ceremony.
River Garden Auchincruive will offer training and employment and run a cafe, bakery, garden nursery and craft industries.
Director of Development at IFDAS, Mark Bitel said: “Scotland has the worst drug and alcohol problems anywhere in Europe. 867 drug- related deaths were registered in Scotland in 2016, the largest number ever recorded, 23% more than in 2015 – and that figure has doubled since 2005. Meanwhile, liver disease now accounts for one in 50 of all Scottish deaths and alcoholrelated deaths in Scotland have increased by 100% since 1994.
“This three year programme is radical and unlike any other type of service currently available to this group of people in the UK. We aim to demonstrate that there is a different approach with good outcomes for individuals who complete their programmes, their families, communities and, ultimately, the wider society.”
South Scotland MSP Emma Harper added: “I am delighted to attend the opening today in support of IFDAS.