Safe rooms are not a solutiontodrugissue

So, a majority of illegal drug users would be willing to use a state drug consumption facility that offers assistance, immunity and comfort while they commit their crime.

That’s hardly surprising.

I guess burglars would avail themselves of a state chauffeur service that delivered and collected them from their victims’ homes – with full anonymity and immunity, of course.

Such a scheme would reduce the risks associated with dangerous getaway driving, the logic would run.

As usual in Scottish politics, empathy with the immediate predicament of the individual overwhelms rationality.

The fact that an addict desperately wants a fix doesn’t mean that the best way to help him is to facilitate it.

Whether drug addiction has stemmed from the toughest personal circumstances or from reckless hedonism, the way forward is abstinence.

The very suggestion that a place where harmful drugs are taken can somehow render them “safe” is dangerous.

When users wander befuddled from a “drug consumption room” do they still cause alarm to others? Do they still cause accidents and violence? Do they still sustain the whole evil system of drug supply? Do their lives still spiral down into meaningless oblivion? Do they still impose unnecessarily on the good will of the nation? Yes.

Our society has decided, with good reason, that it is unwilling to sacrifice the safety of its citizens and its financial resources in order to indulge selfish drug abuse.

However, the state should welcome addicts seeking to kick the habit with open arms, offering intensive support.

Meanwhile, maintaining in our society a culture of hostility to illegal drug abuse helps to reduce the number of people who become addicts.

A part of that is vigorous policing, both to deter potential users and to eliminate supply chains.

Drug abuse is a grave threat to the wellbeing of any society, ever primed to claim victims on a vast scale, so let’s fight it not appease it.

Richard Lucas

Scottish Family Party government should publish weekly figures for lost GDP, lost tax revenue and the increase in unemployment.

We should also know how many patients have had cancer and other vital treatments delayed or cancelled.

Each week the increase in the national debt, which is already a horrifying two trillion pounds, should also be announced.

Health statisticians will then be able to estimate how many extra deaths, there are likely to be as a result of the lost growth, extra unemployment and untreated patients. Very quickly ending the lockdown would become a priority.

Otto Inglis

Address supplied group Capercaillie, who have been some of my favourite musicians for a long time.

Along with their vocalist Karen Matheson, what wonderful singing and music they have given this country.

Make no bones about it, I have long been a fan of Karen Matheson – just one, I am sure, of many – and recently attempted, as an appreciation, to send her a book of verse as good music is married to good words.

Music is so important as it fits all moods, occasions and brings comfort.

I wish Mr Macleod and his son every success.

Thomas Brown

Garry Place

Bankfoot