Drugs deaths in Scotland doubled in the last decade to reach their highest recorded level, figures have revealed.

A total of 706 drug-related deaths were registered in Scotland in 2015, which is the the largest number recorded, according to figures from the National Records of Scotland.

Calls have now been made by senior health officials, addiction charities and police for renewed efforts and further resources to tackle the problem with the latest figures branded a "wake-up call".

The number of deaths increased by 93 (15%) on 2014 and have more than doubled since 2005 when 336 people died due to drugs.

A continued rise in the number of older addicts dying is believed to be a main factor in the significant overall increase in drugs-related deaths across the country, while 249 of those who died last year aged between 35 and 44.

Heroin remained the biggest killer and was linked to 345 deaths, which equates to almost half the total and more than in any previous year.

Methadone contributed to 251 deaths (36%), which is fewer than its peak of 275 in 2011 but more than in any of the previous three years.

The number of deaths linked to valium, known as benzodiazepines such as diazepam, rose to 191 deaths, around the level seen in 2011 and 2012.

Cocaine was implicated in 93 deaths; ecstasy-type drugs in 15; amphetamines in 17, and alcohol in 107 deaths.

Chief superintendent Barry McEwan, of the safer communities team, said: "Today's figures continue to show that drugs have a significant negative impact on our communities across Scotland, claiming lives and devastating families.

"The rise in drug-related deaths is disappointing and unfortunately every death leaves a tragedy in our communities and shows there is no safe way to take drugs - those who choose to take the risk of using drugs are risking their life.

"Police Scotland is committed to targeting individuals and organised crime groups who are responsible for the supply of drugs to our communities.

"Someone knows the dealer who is selling drugs and bringing death to our communities. I ask anyone who knows to tell call Police Scotland on 101."

Professor Roy Robertson, chairman of the Partnership for Action on Drugs in Scotland, said: "Scotland has long recognised the problem of drug related deaths and has, for many years now, taken this problem very seriously.

"Unfortunately, despite considerable efforts, the problems giving rise to these fatalities have continued. Renewed efforts are clearly required as the figures for 2015 represent a situation which demands attention.

"The time has undoubtedly come for action at all levels. New resources are required and ownership of this national problem at a high level must now be seen."

Scottish Drugs Forum (SDF) director Dave Liddell said: "The increase in fatal drug overdoses is a wake-up call to redouble efforts to reduce this tragic and largely preventable loss of life.

"Recently there has been increasing activity focused on particularly vulnerable groups of people, for example the ageing cohort of drug users.

"SDF have been commissioned to undertake a wider piece of work to develop death prevention strategies"

Public health minister Aileen Campbell said: "These figures show that we have an ageing group of drug users who are experiencing increasingly poor health.

"This is a legacy of Scotland's drug misuse which stretches back decades.

"To address this we have funded research to investigate the issues associated with older drug users through the Scottish Drugs Forum.

"We have also achieved significant reductions in treatment times for those needing treatment for their drug problem.

"We remain committed to tackling the scourge of illegal drugs and the damage they do to our communities, and to support those who are struggling with addiction."

Despite the increase in deaths, Ms Campbell said drug use in Scotland is dropping and claimed the number of young people involved in drug taking was at its lowest in a decade.

She said: "Drug taking is falling in Scotland, and the number of young people taking drugs is the lowest in a decade.

"The Scottish Government continues to invest in substance misuse education that supports the health and well-being outcomes for young people, their parents and carers."