‘We Deserve Better’: Calton Residents Demand Action from First Minister Over Drug Crisis
Ninety neighbours pack out meeting just yards from £2.3m drug consumption room as community delivers defiant message: ‘Enough is enough’
By Gary Fanning
Tensions are boiling over in the heart of Glasgow’s East End as furious residents of Calton issued a direct plea to Scotland’s First Minister, demanding urgent action over rising drug-related crime, discarded needles, and a growing sense of fear since the opening of the controversial £2.3 million Drug Consumption Room.
Around 90 residents packed into St Luke’s Wedding Venue on Bain Street last night – just a few hundred meters from the so-called “Thistle” facility – for a fiery two-hour meeting.
Community leaders say their neighbourhood has been plunged into chaos, citing a surge in discarded drug paraphernalia, rising crime, and open drug use in public spaces where families once felt safe.
Colin McGowan, founder of the Blameless charity and a key speaker at the meeting, delivered an emotional message aimed squarely at First Minister John Swinney:
“I am trying to get a message to the First Minister of Scotland to let him know that the people in the Calton are unhappy.
“I am not here to campaign for the closure of the drug room — but without your consent, this has been forced on the people of Calton.”
Mr McGowan described finding 50 used syringes in just one minute — footage of which was posted on social media — and pointed to rising crime and what he called a worrying lack of police presence.
“There’s paraphernalia in every corner. It’s not right, and it’s not fair for the people here.
“If this is a blueprint for a national rollout, then Calton is not just fighting for itself — it’s fighting for the whole country.”
As applause filled the room, he announced that residents would soon hold up a banner in protest, sending a loud and clear message to the First Minister: “Listen to Calton.”
Mr McGowan named several hotspot areas littered with syringes and signs of drug use, including the Morrisons car park, Tobago Street, and Bellgrove Train Station — once safe spaces now avoided by many after dark.
“People in Calton want change. They want recognition for the pain and human misery they’re living with every day.
“We’re saying to John Swinney: get this sorted. These are our homes.”
Former addict Francis Wilson, pictured below, added: “I witnessed a young boy in the last few days trying to get into jail — trying to breach his probation — because he’s that desperate to get off these streets.
“But he’s getting knocked back at every point. He made the decision to come here tonight instead of being out there using.
“He’s not alone, and we are going to help all of these people get their voices heard.
“It’s about helping communities.
“It’s about all these young men and young women who are out there while we’re in here. They’re dying.
“I could never watch someone inject”, referring to a recent BBC Scotland documentary about the Thistle— “I just couldn’t. I don’t care what the wage is,” he added.
“I know the devastation of drug abuse.
“Let’s come together and let those in power know: if they want our votes, they have to work for us.
“We are sick and tired of false promises.”
Mr McGowan closed with a heartfelt reminder:
“The people of Calton must be listened to. Look at the people in this room — they care for their community.
“This is about the voice of the people of Calton.”
Chief Inspector Max Shaw said: “Police Scotland has a duty to respond to the needs of our communities.
“We are aware of long-standing issues in the area and continue to work closely in partnership to address these concerns.
“We remain committed to reducing the harm associated with problematic substance use and addiction and our approach to any initiative, aimed at tackling these harms, will be to establish how best we can support it within the confines of the law.
“We continue to engage with members of the local community to discuss any concerns and would encourage reporting of incidents to Police Scotland.”
Supporters of the Drug Consumption Room argue it reduces overdose deaths and public drug use by providing a supervised, safer space.
But for many Calton residents, the reality on the ground feels very different.
We Asked the Authorities
The Splash this morning contacted the First Minister’s Office, and Glasgow City Council — we’ll bring you their comments as soon as we receive them.
Coming Up Tonight at 6pm:
Annemarie Ward, CEO of FAVOR UK (Faces and Voices of Recovery), delivers a passionate, unfiltered 20-minute address at the meeting. You won’t want to miss it.
Your Splash Needs You — Subscribe from Just £1.96/Month
We’re not backed by billionaires. We’re not chasing ad clicks. We’re not serving shareholders.
We’re serving Glasgow — every street, every voice, every community.
🧡 This week only: Subscribe for just £1.96/month — over 60% off.
If enough of you sign up, this offer could secure The Splash’s future — and help us go even deeper into the stories that matter.
No PR gloss. No agenda. Just the truth, from the ground up.
If you’re able, please consider subscribing to support The Splash. Your backing keeps us going. If not, no worries — you’re always welcome to enjoy The Splash as a free member.
👉 Sign up now from £1.96/month and help power the journalism Glasgow deserves. Sign up here