MORE work is needed to end alcohol deaths in the area despite fewer local lives being lost last year, according to statistics.

Argyll and Bute had 22 deaths in 2023, down from 24 the year before as Scotland overall saw a 15-year high for fatalities.

WithYou, an organisation that works in Argyll and Bute to tackle problems with alcohol, said the country's "drinking culture" needed to change to save lives.

They urged residents to consider their relationship with alcohol and make changes to help themselves and loved ones.

According to figures published this week, Argyll and Bute's worst years for fatalities were 2010 and 2007 when 30 people lost their lives. The numbers have fluctuated from a low of 14 to those highs over two decades.

Yvonne McLeod, service manager at WithYou in Argyll and Bute, said: “People who refuse a drink - whether it’s because they’re trying to stop, cut down, or they just don’t fancy it - are often encouraged to join in.

“Please take time to think about how difficult that might be for someone who is struggling with their drinking. Our social lives don’t need to revolve around alcohol and people should feel comfortable saying no.”

WithYou has bases in Helensburgh, Oban and Dunoon but works across the area and they help adults living with the challenges of alcohol or drugs.

Ms McLeod added: “My thoughts are with everyone in Argyll and Bute who has lost a loved one to alcohol.

“And to anyone who is worried about their alcohol use, or that of a loved one, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are WithYou.”

Jackie Baillie MSP said the data "cements" the link between deprivation and problem drinking, with deaths 4.5 times higher in poorer areas. Two thirds of cases involved men.

She said: “The toll alcohol takes on our communities remains a national scandal.

“The link between addiction and deprivation remains stark, with communities such as those in my Dumbarton constituency seeing the impact.

“It is time for definitive action to be taken to tackle addiction, with an urgent need for a clear strategy and additional funding.

“The Scottish Government’s policy of Minimum Unit Pricing will not alone tackle alcohol addiction and it is incumbent on Ministers to take other measures.

“The SNP is fresh out of ideas and seems unable to come up with a clear plan to tackle the nation’s growing problems."

The figures from the National Records of Scotland showed 1,277 deaths from conditions caused by alcohol nationally last year. That was one more than in 2022.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto pointed to the Scottish Government's minimum unit price policy, as well as investing in treatment services. They were also looking at ways to reduce marketing aimed at children and young people.

She said: “My sympathy goes out to all those who have lost a loved one through alcohol. The Scottish government is determined to do all it can to reduce alcohol-related harm and we continue to treat it as an equal priority with drugs as a public health emergency."