Almost 100 homeless died last year in Scotland

Figures show 96 people who were sleeping rough on Scotland's streets died.

A person sleeping rough
Author: Clyde NewsPublished 10th Oct 2018
Last updated 10th Oct 2018

Figures released have found that 96 homeless people died in Scotland last year - that's nearly two a week.

Of that number almost half were in Glasgow, with many people being left for weeks before being found.

The number of people who applied as homeless in Scotland increased for the first time in nine years.

Deaths are put down to people with substance and drug abuse, with some dying from prolonged periods of violence and suicide.

The Scottish Government's pledged £50million to its Ending Homelessness Together Fund, but Shelter Scotland's Director Graeme Brown told Radio Clyde News:

"Whether this is people discharged from hospital, coming out of prison or people who have suddenly found themselves suddenly homeless on the street.

"I think we need to understand the circumstances and then work out the interventions that can take place.

"Now I acknowledge that some of these people will have long-term addiction problems, either with substance misuse or alcohol.

"But let's be clear not everyone who is sleeping rough has got a long-term addiction to substance abuse.

"We have to always remember that these are real people - they are someone's mother, brother, sister, son and daughter and I think that's a real tragedy."