Thousands join walk to remember those lost to substance misuse

Thousands of people have gathered in Perth to show their support for those who have recovered from drug and alcohol addiction.

More than 2000 people attended the annual Recovery Walk at North Inch Park on Saturday, which also provides an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives to substance misuse.

Participants carried roses in memory of loved ones, which they later threw into the River Tay during the event.

Jardine Simpson, Chief Executive Scottish Recovery Consortium said: “As people of lived experience of any types of addictions, it’s very important for us, even in a day of celebration, to remember those that we’ve lost.

“But then to celebrate – what better way to remember those people than by actually celebrating recovery as a process.”

While attending the event, drugs minister Angela Constance said it was vital that people in recovery are recognised.

“They are living proof that change is possible, that recovery is possible, and that with hard work we can address what has gone wrong in the past, and it has been fantastic to have so many people from the recovery community, from the length and breadth of Scotland here,” she said.

“Learning from each other, inspiring each other and giving people hope.”