The number of drug-related deaths in Scotland has risen by 12%.
Figures from 2023 show drugs claimed the lives of 1,172 Scots in 2023 – up 121 from last year’s total.
70 of those deaths were in Fife.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said the Scottish Government was "working hard to respond to the growing threat from highly dangerous, super-strong synthetic opioids like nitazenes” which were involved in 23 deaths.
He added: “My heartfelt condolences go to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through drugs.
“This level of deaths remains hugely concerning and underlines why we we will continue to do all we can to reduce harm and deaths caused by drugs.”
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross branded the figures “shocking and shameful”.
He said: “Drug deaths continue to be Scotland’s national shame on the SNP’s watch.
“Behind this heart-breaking increase in drug deaths are families grieving the loss of loved ones and my thoughts are with all of them.
“Scotland’s drug deaths rate is by far the worst in Europe and the SNP’s approach is simply not working.
“Several years ago Nicola Sturgeon admitted she took her eye off the ball on tackling this emergency, but deaths have continued to increase since then.”
But Mr Gray insisted the Scottish Government’s “national mission” to tackle the country’s drug death problem had “led to much being achieved in a short space of time”.
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