The Scottish government will support plans to expand safer drug consumption facilities in the country.

It will encourage more local areas to “develop proposals where appropriate” for the facilities as part of its drug harm reduction measures, according to its alcohol and drugs strategic plan 2026 – 2035 published on March 10.

Drugs and alcohol policy minister Maree Todd said the plan will mean “people can receive the right help when and where they need it”.

Read more: Thousands use cocaine and heroin in the UK’s first safe drug consumption room

It follows the first safe drug consumption facility (SDCF), called The Thistle, that opened in Glasgow in January 2025 to allow people who inject drugs to do so “under clinical supervision”.

The SDCF offers people who have already bought their drugs to use sterile injecting equipment at the facility, and be advised on how to inject safely.

It aims to reduce injection-related wounds, infections and transmission of blood-borne diseases, as well as prevent overdoses “from becoming fatal”.

Read more: Pharmacists involved in London’s first drug checking service

As of January 2026, the SDCF had supervised “over 8,300 injecting episodes” and “intervened in 97 medical emergencies”.

C+D revealed that ahead of the SDCF opening, there were no plans to employ pharmacists in the services.

Naloxone and drug checks

In its long-term plan on alcohol and drugs, the Scottish government said it would commit to continuing injecting equipment provision services, and explore providing safer inhalation devices and spaces to use them in safer drug consumption facilities.

It said it would explore options to “expand access to drug checking” through posting drugs to be checked or for users to visit mobile units that offer this service.

Read more: Devon pharmacy pilot launched to reduce opioid drug-related deaths

Earlier this week, charity The Loop announced it was opening two London locations for the public to get drugs tested after the success of its Bristol service.

The Scottish government’s plan also revealed it would expand the distribution of naloxone through pharmacies, community venues and in the nighttime economy to “ensure naloxone access keeps up with changing demand in the context of emerging drug trends”.

Read more: Pharmacies set to supply take-home naloxone without a prescription

It follows a Department of Health and Social Care (DH) consultation in December to “help combat rising drug deaths from opioids” by making naloxone available in “publicly accessible emergency boxes” on the high street.

And last March, Scottish pharmacies were asked to ensure they have the “appropriate stock” of naloxone following an “increase in sudden collapse” due to overdoses.

It followed a new charity partnership that had over 60 Fife pharmacies sign up to offer life-saving take-home naloxone services.