That was the lowest number of alcohol-specific deaths registered in any year since 2019. However, East and North Ayrshire were among the nine council areas where the alcohol death rate rose. North Ayrshire recorded 30 alcohol-specific deaths in 2023, but 32 deaths in 2024. Alcohol-specific deaths are those which are confirmed to be from the direct consequence of booze consumption. However, the ratio of alcohol-specific deaths in the most and least deprived areas has fallen over the last two decades.