First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has launched a "national mission" to drive down a record number of drug deaths in Scotland.

Describing the crisis as a "national disgrace", Ms Sturgeon pledged an extra £250 million over the next Holyrood term.

Glasgow Times:

READ MORE: Scotland drugs death crisis: Over five drug-related deaths per week in Glasgow

This year, £20 million of the funding will be allocated towards rehab centres while plans have been put in place to widen the distribution of Naloxone overdose-reversing kits to communities across Scotland. 

Addressing the Scottish Parliament, Ms Sturgeon acknowledged "it is a reasonable criticism to say this government should have done more".

She said: "The fact is, all of these people and all of those who have died in years gone by were in some way failed by us. 

"Responsibility for that rests first and foremost with the government. The failure is not just a moment in time. 

"I believe that if we have the will, we can and we will find ways to stop this from happening. By doing so requires a national mission to end what is currently a national disgrace."

Glasgow Times:

The new funding will support five key areas - including fast and appropriate access to treatment, residential rehab, the creation of a "joined-up" approach, support after non-fatal overdoses and the vital role of third-sector organisations.

Ms Sturgeon outlined that the Scottish Government is still working to overcome legal barriers that restrict the roll-out of safe consumption rooms. 

She added: "We will maximise what can be done now within the current law to reduce harm and stop people from dying."

It comes after figures revealed a record number of drug-related deaths in Scotland for a sixth consecutive year. 

A total of 1200 people died of drug misuse last year, which accounts for three deaths per day. In Glasgow, five deaths were recorded every week.