Scots alcohol death rate twice that of UK

THE rate of alcohol-related deaths in Scotland is rising – and is more than double the rate for the UK as a whole, figures out yesterday showed.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that in 2006, there were 13.4 deaths per 100,000 people linked to alcohol in the UK – up from 12.9 the previous year.

The General Register Office for Scotland revealed that the equivalent rate north of the border was 27.3 deaths, up from 26.7 the previous year.

This is despite the fact that research earlier this week suggested Scots drink the least in the UK. Campaigners said the figures revealed a "disturbing" upward trend.

Overall in the UK, there were 8,758 alcohol-related deaths in 2006, with 1,546 in Scotland.

The biggest increase was seen in men aged 35 to 54 and overall, men accounted for two-thirds of alcohol-related deaths.

Frank Soodeen, from Alcohol Concern, said: "It appears that for certain younger people who've been drinking heavily for most of their lives, the consequences are beginning to show themselves at ever earlier stages."