Scottish society needs to wake up to the grim reality of our drug death shame.
Official figures show that the “war on drugs” has failed.
Every community has been touched by this devastating scourge – and if anyone is in doubt, look at the misery it’s causing in Glasgow’s Springburn.
Reverend Brian Casey says nearly a third of the 500 funerals he’s conducted in five years were related to drugs.
The Record has led the way in trying to get experts and people affected by drug abuse in the same room.
Politicians are probing the rising death toll and looking for answers.
This sad snapshot of what drugs can do to communities is another reminder that there can be no delay in finding answers.
The Scottish Government has made demands that Tories in Westminster must listen to. But it’s clear we can’t wait for the UK Government to wake up.
Health and justice are Holyrood responsibilities, up to a point, and there needs to be creative thinking before more communities are ripped apart.
Abuser’s let-off
Catherine’s life was turned into an ordeal of terror by a twisted man who tried to control her every move.
Her tormenter was also her husband.
Matthew Hartley battered her and humiliated her time after time.
She claims he also starved her – a woman he said he loved – in an evil attempt to create a “size zero” wife.
A man like that has no business walking free.
But this sick abuser has been spared jail in a decision that defies belief.
So much has been done to tackle domestic abuse at all levels, from support groups to national government.
But in this case, the courts do not appear to have caught up.
Women like Catherine deserve protection from brutes like Hartley.
Her ordeal started as soon as they exchanged vows – and she claims she suffered for more than a decade.
Catherine spent those years confined by her abuser.
It’s an insult that Hartley is not now behind bars.
Wedding star
Stacey and Robert Robertson’s marriage got off to the perfect start when the bride’s son Anthony gave an .
The seven-year-old had guests in the palm of his hand when he paid tribute to the happy couple in style.
Anthony proved he is a wee star by bringing even more joy to Stacey and Robert’s special day.
