Scotland's papers: The 'shameful' drugs deaths crisis
- Published
News that more than 1,300 people died of drug misuse in Scotland last year makes most of the front pages. The Scotsman points out deprived areas, which also have the most number of Covid-related deaths, are the worst-affected parts of the country.
The Daily Record leads with the "shameful" death toll, pointing out it is the record number of drug deaths for the seventh year in a row.
The Daily Telegraph front page claims the death toll is a "scar on the conscience" of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The paper highlights how Scotland has the highest drug death rate in the UK and in Europe.
The Evening News tells the story of the record drug death tally through the cousin of an Edinburgh man who was left brain damaged and paralysed after a drug overdose.
The Herald reports how the SNP has been "slated" for the drug death figures. The number of drug-related deaths has increased substantially over the past 20 years and is now almost three times higher than it was a decade ago.
The Scottish Daily Express also reports criticism of the SNP's record on the issue and carries Ms Sturgeon's comments that the death toll is "unacceptable".
The issue of which countries will match the UK's move to open up travel to people who have been double-vaccinated is on the front page of the i. The paper suggests Spain is "ready to open up" to travellers from the UK.
By contrast, The Daily Mail suggests France and Italy could join Spain on a new "danger list" as soon as next week - potentially "wrecking" the hopes of millions of British families hoping for a summer holiday in Europe.
The National reports that Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton had to say sorry to a constituent for giving them the wrong information about Covid.
The Sun's front page claims an exclusive with its interview with EastEnders actor Sid Owen.
The Courier reports how a toddler was rushed to hospital after a heavy fence fell on her in a Fife playpark.
A housebound man who had to wait six months for his first Covid jab is the lead story in the Glasgow Times.
The sentencing of a former monk at a Catholic boarding school in the Highlands for child sexual abuse makes the front page of the Press and Journal.
The rescue of a pensioner from a house fire makes the front page of the Dundee Evening Telegraph.
The Daily Star is unhappy with attempts by the "pastry police" to ban pies at football matches, as it makes clear with its headline: "Who hate all the pies?"
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