Hundreds of people gathered in Glasgow for a special event remembering loved ones lost to addiction.

The Scottish Recovery Consortium's annual Recovery Walk was held in Glasgow Green on Saturday, challenging the stigma of addiction issues.

The event opened with a poignant ceremony where roses were placed into the River Clyde in memory of those lost to addiction, including friends and family members of people taking part.

(Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns)

(Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) It comes after a new report highlighted Glasgow as having the highest drug deaths in Scotland.

Figures from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) revealed that last year 246 people died from drug misuse in the city.

But as well as remembering those lost, the Recovery Walk is also a celebration of recovery and aims to make recovery more visible by supporting individuals, families and communities affected, impacted and recovering from alcohol and drug use.

(Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) After the rose ceremony at the river, a procession was led through the city with people carrying uplifting messages of hope such as 'we do recover' and 'addicted to life'. 

The Consortium's CEO, Tracey McFall, previously said: “We are delighted that the Recovery Walk Scotland this year will be held in Glasgow. 

"This year’s walk will build on Recovery Month and the ever-growing visibility of recovery across Scotland."

(Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) Tracey continued: "It is the passion and commitment of individuals, families, communities, key partners and networks that continues to raise awareness of the vital and integral nature lived and living experience plays in supporting people’s recovery journeys. 

"We would like to directly thank everyone who give their energy, time, and passion to support recovery across Scotland and who, on a day-to-day basis provide recovery activities and recovery support for those who need it. 

"We hope that year’s walk will be another springboard to ensuring recovery and the voice of individuals, families and communities stay central to supporting those affected by problematic substance use in Scotland."

(Image: Colin Mearns)