Charity warns Scots of spiking dangers this Hogmanay

A charity has warned Scots to be vigilant to the dangers of drink spiking on New Years Eve.

Spike Aware UK is has urging those socialising over New Year to look out for the signs of spiking, which include memory loss, loss of balance, confusion, paranoia and hallucinations.

Founder, Colin Mackie from Lanarkshire, started the charity after losing his 18-year-old son Greg to drink spiking when he attended Edinburgh College back in 2017.

Now - he wants all of us to be vigilant and protect our drinks by using cup lids and bottle stops.

'People drop their guards'

Colin told Clyde 1: "People drop their guards at this time of year, and that's the major thing.

"They put down their glasses as everyone walks up to countdown to the bells and their drink is left unattended.

"Anything can happen, anything can be put into that drink.

"If you've got any form of lid or spikey bottle tops, you're protecting yourself."

However, Colin stresses that it isn't just people who appear to be drunk who are targeted.

"If you're drinking a soft drink, that can be spiked as well.

"I think a lot of people assume that if you're drinking a soft drink you're safe - but you're not. You're still just as much of a target as if you're drinking an alcoholic drink."

'Staff are under pressure'

Colin added there's also a message for those of us who are working behind the bar this Hogmanay as well: "A spiking victim can act as if they're someone who's just too drunk, and that can be difficult for stewards to spot.

"The staff are under pressure and sometimes it can just be 'get that person out of the road.'

"I'd ask that people listen to what their friends are saying, if they're telling you that person has only had one drink, it could be spiking."

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