Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 11 March 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that the opening of the Thistle drug consumption facility has resulted in an increase in (a) antisocial behaviour, (b) discarded needles and (c) drug dealing in Calton.
The Scottish Government recognises the concerns of local people in the Calton area and are grateful for the continued actions being taken to address them by Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership
While concerns have been raised, no evidence has been provided which isolates the opening of the facility as the sole cause of such activity. These issues existed in the area prior to the introduction of the service, which was established to reduce public injecting and associated harms along with reducing the levels of drug-related litter in the area. Since opening, the facility has overseen over 9,400 injecting episodes, hugely reducing the number of injecting episodes which would have taken place in public areas and leading to further discarded needles.
The Thistle operates like any other NHS facility and works closely with Police Scotland and local partners. Police Scotland maintains operational independence in policing the facility and surrounding areas, responding to reports, deterring criminal activity, and protecting public safety.
An extensive independent evaluation is underway which will include an assessment of community impact. Its findings will inform any future decision as part of an evidence-led approach.