The north east of Scotland’s first government-funded residential rehabilitation centre has been opened as part of efforts to do more to help addicts.
The 27-bed Rae House facility in Alford, Aberdeenshire, is the first phase of a new project.
First Minister John Swinney said the investment of £11m into Rae House would help “address geographic barriers” in assisting those battling drug and alcohol addiction.
He added: “We want every person experiencing harm to be able access the support they need.”
Improving access to residential rehabilitation centres has been a priority for the Scottish government.
Mr Swinney toured the facility, and said it would help reduce drug and alcohol-related deaths in Scotland.
People are referred for treatment which can last between three and six months.
There is also an emphasis on recovery through nature given the centre’s rural setting.
A large facility is also planned for Aberdeen to help tackle drug and alcohol problems.
Justin Taylor, 46, is a recovering alcoholic who has used residential services in the past.
“I didn’t have a purpose,” he said.
“This has taught me to realise where my problems began, what was affecting me, and why I was behaving the way I was, everybody I was letting down.
“It taught me I do have a purpose and gave me a daily structure. It really taught me the value of life again.
“I had a few scares from the doctors about my health and my liver and things like that, so I thought if I don’t do something now it is never going to happen.”
Stephen Kennedy, residential manager at Rae House, said people don’t need to go to funding panels and either self-refer or be referred by local authorities
He added: “Sometime people don’t have the services available in the north east of Scotland and this will save a lot of lives.
“Sometimes it is about striking when the iron is hot, when people are ready get them in so they don’t deteriorate and they don’t die.
“That’s the goal so they can get a quality of life back.”
BBC News
Khamrah by Lattafa for Men - 3.4 oz EDP Spray
4% OffGhost Sweetheart Eau de Toilette | Pineapple, Jasmine and Sandalwood | Perfume for Women 50 ml
50% OffMarc Jacobs Dot Eau De Parfum for Women, 100 ml
42% OffTed Baker W Eau de Toilette for Her, Fig Leaf, White Peony and Violet Top Notes, Pink Orchid and Raspberry Middle Notes, 75ml
£11.77 (£15.69 / 100 ml) (as of 29/09/2026 05:08 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Ted Baker Woman Pink Eau de Toilette Spray Floral Green Feminine Fragrance, Opening Notes are Fresh Peach, Bergamot and Tangerine with Warm Musk, Vanilla and Vetiver Base, 100ml
11% OffVera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette - 30 ml
Choco Musk 50ml Eau De Parfum for men and women | Chocolate Musk by Jannat Aromas
17% OffChristina Aguilera Signature Eau de Parfum (50ml) Floral, Fruity & Exotic Scent, Luxury Fragrance for Women
9% OffCalvin Klein - Eau De Toilette CKIN2U - Calvin Klein Women, Ladies Perfume, Women's Perfume, Calvin Klein Perfume, Calvin Klein One - 150 ml
5% OffJimmy Choo Flash Eau de Parfum, 60 ml (Pack of 1)
3% OffFruit of the Loom Men's Heavy T Shirt, White, XL UK
28% OffATNKE LED Lighted Beanie Cap,USB Rechargeable Running Hat Ultra Bright 4 LED Waterproof Light Winter Warm Gifts for Men and Women/Pink
Now retrieving the rating.
17% OffMen's 1/4 Zip Pullover UK Sale Clearance, Fleece Sweatshirt Casual Jumper Long Sleeve T-shirt Top Stand Collar Sweater Plain Pullover Sports Leisure Workwear Quarter Zip Sweater Lightweight Jumpers
Now retrieving the rating.
£5.88 (as of 12/11/2025 00:52 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
