LIVING ROOMS

As Scotland gets set to open a pioneering new drug consumption facility the Daily Record has an exclusive tour of the site for this life-saving centre

- DAN VEVERS

SCOTLAND'S first life-saving drug consumption facility will open its doors as early as summer - and will feature a comfortable recovery room for addicts.

The Daily Record got a first glimpse inside the site in Gallowgate, Glasgow, yesterday as construction began in a "huge milestone" for the project.

Building work could take up to 24 weeks running to late August although it's hoped the construction programme can be sped up and the facility opened earlier to save lives.

Blueprints and designs seen by the Record show the building will feature eight "injecting booths" where users can take drugs under medical supervision to prevent overdoses turning fatal. It will also have a large "aftercare" area, including a cafe with hot food and drink, seating and possibly a television.

The facility which will also offer shower services, clean clothes and phone calls to loved ones - aims to provide dignity and a safe space to drug users as well as bring in addicts who don't use existing drugs services.

It's hoped the homely aftercare area will encourage people to stay longer - and potentially be referred to other services at the multi-purpose NHS site including GPs, sexual health and blood-borne virus specialists, and complex needs, crisis outreach and enhanced drug treatment services.

Councillor Allan Casey, head of Glasgow's addiction services, was "overjoyed" to finally see boots on the ground at the hub.