The number of alcohol-related deaths in Scotland last year reached its highest level for 14 years, according to official figures.

Data from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) show 1,316 people died in 2008 and although there were fewer deaths in 2022 (1,276), it was still the largest number since 2008.

The 1,276 who died last year was also an increase on the 1,245 deaths in 2021. Around two-thirds of those who died in 2022 were male and female deaths rose by 31 to 440.

The average age of males and females at death was 60 years and 58.7 years respectively.

The NRS said alcohol-specific deaths were “1.6 times as likely to be in large urban areas compared with remote rural areas.” The death rate was also 4.3 times higher in the country’s most deprived areas compared with the least deprived.

The rate of alcohol-related deaths was higher than Scotland’s national average in the NHS Board areas Western Isles, Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Lanarkshire between 2018 and 2022.

Drugs and alcohol policy minister Elena Whitham said the Scottish government will put “substantial” funding into addressing what she described as a “public health priority.”

“Every life lost is a tragedy and my sympathy goes to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through alcohol,” she said.

“While we will need to better understand the reasons for this increase in deaths, I will do all I can to reduce alcohol-related harm. We will continue to work closely with Alcohol and Drug Partnerships and the third sector to address this public health priority, backed by substantial investment.”