A commission to investigate drug misuse in Dundee has been launched as the number of drug related deaths in the city rises.

The minister for public health and sport, Aileen Campbell, spoke to a meeting of the Dundee Partnership Forum on Monday to consider the issues of drug misuse on the city.

The specialist panel will hear from people affected by drug misuse, and come up with recommendations for how to move forward.

Ms Campbell said: "Substance misuse devastates too many families and communities across the country.

"We want to address that and change the provision of treatment and support for those who are most at risk.

"That means taking forward evidence-led measures, even if they were to prove controversial."

Councillor Ken Lynn said: "The situation in Dundee has got to a point where we need to take a new approach to provide solutions to save and improve people's lives.

"The drugs toll in our city cannot be tolerated and we need to ensure that all those who can play a part are helping to find solutions.

"There are no easy answers but I am keen that we use this as an opportunity to demonstrate our determination to create a better city for everyone who lives here."