A former SNP Justice Secretary has called on the Scottish Government to save lives by introducing drug consumption rooms for users.
Kenny MacAskill made the demand after the new Lord Advocate signalled she would consider a fresh bid for a facility.
Scotland has the worst drugs death rate in Europe and consumption rooms would allow people to take illegal substances in a supervised setting.
However, the drug laws are reserved to Westminster and the Tory Government is opposed to the move.
As an alternative, campaigners believe consumption rooms could be opened if the Crown Office agrees not to prosecute people involved in them.
Former Lord Advocate James Wolffe raised objections to this approach, but successor Dorothy Bain appears more open-minded.
She told MSPs she would give “fresh consideration” to a proposal that was “precise, detailed, specific” and backed by the police.
MacAskill, Justice Secretary between 2007 and 2014, has urged Drugs Policy Minister Angela Constance to act.
In a letter to her, he wrote: "I welcome the work that you are personally doing to try and address the drug tragedy in our communities. However, the death toll is still mounting. Action, not just rhetoric, is therefore needed.
“I fully appreciate that drug policy is reserved to Westminster. However, health is not, and the interpretation given to the legislation by the new Lord Advocate allows far greater latitude. As opposed to the strict interpretation and almost obstructionist position adopted by her predecessor.
“In these circumstances, and given that the administration has been back in office for six months, can you advise when Drug Consumption Rooms will be opened in our communities?
"Whilst not able to resolve the situation in whole – they do have a part to play. With the change in legal attitude and with premises lying empty in many of the communities most affected it is time for action.
“As Michael Collins, a Scot who I know you are aware of, and doing sterling work addressing the issue in Baltimore has said, “courage” is needed.”
It comes as a joint visit by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross to a drugs recovery group will take place later this month.
The two politicians will visit the Bluevale Community Club in Glasgow on November 22nd.
The visit was arranged after exchanges at First Minister’s Questions in Holyrood last month.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We welcome the Lord Advocate’s willingness to look at a fresh proposal for a safer drug consumption facility.
“We are actively exploring how we can overcome the existing legal barriers that will allow us to progress the use of these facilities as an effective and evidence-led intervention in our fight to save lives and reduce drug related harm.”
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