Glasgow's safer drug consumption facility records more than 11,000 visits in first year   

The UK's first safer drug consumption facility, known as The Thistle, marks its first year in operation on 13 January 2026.

Since opening, 575 individuals have registered to use and access services provided within the facility.

The Thistle offers drug users a clean and safe environment in which to inject drugs, obtained elsewhere, under the supervision of nursing and social care staff, as well as access to other health and treatment services.

The facility has been accessed 11,348 times by the 575 people (448 male 127 female) who have so far registered to use the service.

There have been 7,827 injections, with 93 medical emergencies all safely managed within the facility by staff.

Councillor Allan Casey, City Convener for Workforce, Homelessness and Addictions, said the first year has been remarkable and hopes the services continue to be well used.

He said: “The first year has been very encouraging. People are engaging with the service and trusting it as a safe space. Each of these 10,000 visits represents an opportunity to reduce harm, connect individuals with support, and ultimately save lives. We know there's still much to do, but what we are seeing from the first-year data is the real impact of a compassionate, evidence-based approach to this public health emergency and reinforces why progressive policies matter and why Glasgow continues to lead the way in tackling complex challenges with practical solutions.”

The Scottish Government has committed to making up to £2.3 million available per year for the development, set up and running of The Thistle service in Glasgow from 2024 to 2025 which will continue to be overseen by Glasgow City Integration Joint Board.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy and Sport Minister Maree Todd MSP said:

“The Thistle, which complements other harm-reduction and treatment and recovery services, has had a profound impact in its first year.

“Through the ability of staff to respond quickly in the event of an overdose it has undoubtedly saved lives. Backed by £2.3 million in Scottish Government funding, it continues to demonstrate the value of an evidence-based approach to safeguarding life and reducing drug-related harm.

“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.”

Prior to opening, the Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (GCHSCP) carried out extensive engagement with the community, stakeholders and businesses.

Pat Togher, Chief Officer for the GCHSCP with overall responsibility for the service, expressed his gratitude for the staff at The Thistle.

He said: “The progress in the first year of The Thistle commencing has exceeded expectations and is testament to the commitment from all concerned, including the important role of lived and living experience in helping shape the service. The scale of activity in the first year demonstrates a growing sense of confidence and value underpinned by the teams commitments towards trauma informed and trusting relationships. As the first of its kind in the UK, The Thistle service has, as expected, been the focus of much media and public attention and we strive to ensure our communication and engagement remains a key priority.

“Staff from a range of health and care services are involved in helping people who use The Thistle get the support they need when they need it and we remain keen to develop this."

Dr Saket Priyadarshi, Associate Medical Director and Senior Medical Officer for Glasgow Alcohol and Drug Recovery Services, said: “We're delighted with how well the Thistle is being used.  The service has exceeded any expectations we had for the first 12 months. It's been great to see service users engaging with the wider services from showers and clothing to referral for treatment and care. I would like to thank our colleagues delivering the service safely and effectively on a daily basis.

“The rising numbers in recent months is a positive sign and is promising for the year ahead, as well as our plans to progress a smoking/inhalation space in the facility.”

The Thistle is a three-year pilot. It will be monitored and evaluated to demonstrate the impact it has on the local area and those who use the service. The evaluation will look at various aspects including litter levels, discarded needles, anti-social behaviour and crime.

The Thistle is open 365 days from 9am to 9pm. 

Further information can be found on the The Thistle webpages.