The Scottish Liberal Democrats have pledged to create “world-class drug services” by 2030.
Leader Alex Cole-Hamilton set out the party’s plans on drugs and homelessness while visiting Glasgow City Mission on Wednesday.
The Lib Dem manifesto vows to support Mother and Child Recovery Houses for those affected by substance abuse, and new intensive community-based perinatal services, using the funding secured by the party in the budget.
Following on from the drug consumption room opened in Glasgow, the party would set up a Scotland-wide network of the facilities, and introduce a multi-year funding model for all drugs and alcohol services.
Mr Cole-Hamilton said: “We will also invest in finally creating world-class drug services for Scotland by 2030.”
The manifesto also pledges to introduce a Young Homeless Guarantee with special pathways to link young people with suitable jobs and training to housing.
The party plans to develop a system of aftercare for children when their family is homeless or in temporary accommodation long-term.
Mr Cole-Hamilton said: “Scottish Liberal Democrats know that a warm, safe, affordable place to live is the foundation on which people build their lives. Everyone deserves a place to call home.
Scottish Liberal Democrats believe in getting things done.
For nineteen years, I was a youthworker trying to make young lives better.
It’s been a privilege to be able to take that experience into Parliament and get stuff done, like for the babies born addicted to drugs. pic.twitter.com/yp9FtdiAEM
— Alex Cole-Hamilton🔶🇺🇦 (@agcolehamilton) April 21, 2026
“However, homelessness has reached record levels. Thousands of children are stuck in temporary accommodation doing their homework in a single room, changing schools, losing friendships and falling behind.
“Shockingly, the SNP and Greens together cut £200 million from the affordable homes budget during a housing emergency. Only the Scottish Liberal Democrats voted against that cut and put the money back in the budget the following year.
“Now, we will ensure that everyone can access housing that meets their needs. We will help you live close to where you need to be, whether it’s for work, family or because it’s where you belong.”
He added: “Scottish Liberal Democrats have a realistic plan for combatting homelessness and the harms inflicted by drugs. No matter where you are, you can back that plan by voting for us on your peach regional ballot.”
David Linden, SNP candidate for Glasgow Baillieston and Shettleston, said: “The SNP has recently introduced a new Alcohol & Drugs Strategic Plan, backed by more than £160 million in 2026-27, which reaffirms our support for the use of drugs and alcohol to be treated as a public health issue.
“The last five years have seen record investment in alcohol and drugs services, and significant progress has been made with the number of deaths at the lowest level since 2017.
“Recovery from addiction can look very different for everyone, and the SNP is committed to deploying a human rights approach. There are a range of interventions we back, including retaining our commitment to ensure that at least 1,000 people each year are publicly funded to go to residential rehabilitation.
“There is still work to be done and under John Swinney’s leadership, a re-elected SNP government will continue to do everything we can to save and improve lives.”