Since opening on 13 January 2025, The Thistle in Glasgow has been accessed 11,348 times, with staff supervising 7,827 injections of illegal drugs. Medical teams also responded to 93 emergencies on site.

The facility, based on Hunter Street, allows people to inject heroin or cocaine under medical supervision without fear of prosecution. It also acts as a gateway to wider support, referring 612 people to services including housing and addiction support.

The Thistle is overseen by Glasgow City Integration Joint Board, with the Scottish government committing up to £2.3 million a year to fund the service.

Drugs minister Maree Todd said the centre had already had a “profound impact”.

“Through the ability of staff to respond quickly in the event of an overdose it has undoubtedly saved lives,” she said.

“I would like to thank all staff and partners for their work in establishing the service, working with some of the most vulnerable people in our society to help save and improve lives, and their continuing efforts to support and engage with the local community.”

Scotland has recorded Europe’s highest rate of drug deaths for the past seven years. In 2024, 1,017 people died from drug misuse, a fall of 155 on the previous year.

Most users of The Thistle were men, with 448 male and 127 female registrations over the year.

Following complaints from residents in Calton about discarded needles and paraphernalia, additional needle bins were installed at key locations and daily outreach patrols introduced.