Consultation on the Proposed Edinburgh Safer Drug Consumption Facility

Overview

The Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (EHSCP) is exploring a proposal to open a safer drug consumption facility (SDCF) in Edinburgh’s Old Town. These are also known as drug consumption rooms.

The consultation will help us to understand whether people think we should develop a plan for an SDCF. We would particularly like to hear from people who would be most affected by the facility. This includes people who take drugs and their families, and people who live and work around the possible locations.

The consultation is open to people who live or work in Edinburgh or who regularly visit.

How you can take part in the consultation

You can give your views in several ways.

Online consultation

The consultation will be open from 1 April to 1 July 2026. You can fill in the survey at any time between these dates.

Drop-in sessions

You can ask questions about the SDCF at these events and share your views.  We’ll publish the dates, times and locations through the Council social media      handle and update the events section below.

There will also be separate meetings for:  

• people who use drugs
• people in recovery from drug use
• loved ones of people who use or have used drugs 
• professionals who work with people who use drugs
• local community groups.

We’ll make sure all of the sessions and meetings are confidential and safe for everyone taking part.

What happens after the consultation

We’ll share the findings with the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB).

The EIJB will make a decision on whether a plan should be developed for an SDCF. That plan would then need to be agreed with the Scottish Government and the Lord Advocate as well as other groups.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about the public consultation, please email eadp@edinburgh.gov.uk

Need a different language or format?

Please email the Interpretation and Translation Service at its@edinburgh.gov.uk quoting reference 25-1026.