Response to the City of Edinburgh Council’s Proposed Safer Drug Consumption Facility
Michelle Christian, the University’s Director of Student Operations and Nurseries, responded to the City of Edinburgh Council’s consultation on a proposed Safer Drug Consumption Facility.
Response ID ANON-WVFU-9KNQ-B
Submitted to Consultation on the Proposed Edinburgh Safer Drug Consumption Facility
Submitted on 2026-05-04 16:35:40
Your details
Are you responding as an individual or on behalf of an organisation?
On behalf of an organisation
Organisation details
Please provide the following information about your organisation.
Organisation name:
University of Edinburgh
Your email address:
Michelle.Christian@ed.ac.uk
Public sector
Other (please specify):
University
Your views
3.1 Do you support a Safer Drug Consumption Facility (SDCF) in Edinburgh? (tick one)
I support it
3.2 Please tell us why (free text):
3.3 Do you support a Safer Drug Consumption Facility (SDCF) being in the Old Town? (tick one)
I neither support nor oppose it
3.4 Please tell us why (free text) :
As upward of 1000 students live in the Cowgate, the area can sometime be frightening as, on occasion, can be a hub for anti social behavior (fighting, aggressive behavior, thefts from our cafes etc) however, we are also on the receiving end of discarded drugs paraphernalia and, thankfully infrequent incidents of drugs users overdosing in our grounds. Anything at all to improve this area and make the environment feel cleaner and safer can only help but I remain unconvinced, despite the international experience, that Safer Drug Consumption Rooms achieve this.
3.5 What concerns (if any) do you have about the facility being located in the Old Town?
free text:
The area continued to be the epicenter of anti social, criminal and disruptive behaviors, which impact the perception of Edinburgh being a safe city and welcoming to the tens of thousands of students who elect to live and study here.
3.6 What benefits (if any) do you think the facility could bring to the Old Town?
free text:
To reduce drugs deaths generally but especially those in the community. Also a rediction in number of discarded needles which have increased significantly in the last 6 months. If introduction of a center could open the door to resolving some of the issues encountered in areas such as the Cowgate, through collaborative working to deliver homelessness/drug support.
3.7 What other changes would make the area better and safer for everyone?
More support for people on the streets or in public places, Better access to other support and healthcare, Better access to accommodation options, Needle disposal bins, More street cleaning, More law enforcement
Other (free text):
Feedback about this consultation process
4.1 To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about this activity?
Feedback about process – I was given all the information that I needed to have my say:
Agree
Feedback about process – This activity was easy to understand:
Agree
Feedback about process – I was given the opportunity to have my say:
Agree
Please provide any comments or suggestions you may have about the consultation process.:
Give University of Edinburgh, particularly our student housing will be impacted by this, I would appreciate the opportunity to participate in further discussion/planning groups.