CAMPAIGNERS held a vigil today for all those killed by drugs in Edinburgh, as they continue to fight for a safe consumption facility in the city.

Gathering outside the City Chambers, candles were lit for those lost to drugs in the city by members of the Safe Consuption Facilities (SCF) campaign, alongside trade unionists and member of the local community.

The vigil came amid allegations that the Edinburgh Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP) is “dragging its heels” in opening such facilities, despite one opening in Glasgow in Janauary.

SCF’s Ruaraidh Dempster told the Star: “There were 111 drug-related deaths in Edninburgh in 2023, the year the ADP began a consultation about safe consumption.

“They not only agreed it would be useful, but that we needed multiple locations.

“We then had a six-month project, and engagement, but since February there has been radio silence.

“That’s two years where our working class communities — 15 times more likely to be affected by drug deaths — have continued to suffer.

“The ADP need to re-engage, get a plan, and get on with it.”

Edinburgh ADP was contacted for comment.