The new MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North has visited a rehab centre in Erskine for people recovering from drug and alcohol issues.

Alison Taylor toured Abbeycare where she met staff and residents, learning about the centre's life-saving services.

The Labour MP also spoke with current residents and members of Abbeycare's aftercare groups about their experiences with addiction and their recovery journeys.

The staff at the facility, many of whom have been through rehab themselves, shared their insights with the MP.

Ms Taylor also spoke with current residents and members of Abbeycare's aftercare groups (Image: Quantum Communications) The centre at Erskine Mains House accepts admissions from across Scotland, including both private patients and local authority referrals.

Ms Taylor said: "I was in awe of all the team who look after the residents at Abbeycare.

"The skilled staff are committed to providing support, sanctuary and the right treatment programmes to help their clients recover from addictions.

"Having met clients who have recovered, some who are now volunteering, I can say they really impressed me."

Liam Mehigan, operations director at Abbeycare, said: "We are very grateful to Alison for making time to visit us in Erskine, so we could tell her more about the vital work we do helping people recover from drug and alcohol addictions.

"During her tour of our facilities, she was able to hear first-hand from some of our current clients and those who are now in our aftercare programme about the life-changing impact that residential rehab can have.

“Working alongside other specialist crisis and stabilisation services, we believe that residential detoxification and rehabilitation services such as ours can quite literally save lives, reducing the tragically high death toll caused by drug and alcohol misuse in Scotland.”