THE number of deaths caused by drugs has risen yet again in the Scottish Borders.

Figures released this week show that there were 13 drug deaths in the region during 2015.

The previous year there were 11 and in 2013 there were eight.

But the proportional figures for the Borders are still below the national average for Scotland.

Throughout 2015 a total of 706 deaths were caused by drugs across the country.

Greater Glasgow continues to have the highest number of incidents with 221, followed by Lothian with 100 deaths and Lanarkshire with 73.

One or more opiates or opioids - including heroin/morphine and methadone - were implicated in, or potentially contributed to, 606 of the deaths.

The number for benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, rose to 191 deaths.

Cocaine was responsible for 93 deaths.