Statement From Highland Drug and Alcohol Action Team

A spokesperson for the Highland Drug and Alcohol Action Team said HDAAT had offered support to Alness Mothers Against Drugs (AMAD) over the years and had included them in consultations regarding a range of substance misuse and funding issues.

He said: "There was consultation earlier this year in order to develop a bid to the Executive for additional funding for drug services. AMAD was included in this bid but the resulting allocation was very disappointing. AMAD have been supported financially over the years by a number of short term funding streams which are now coming to an end.

"AMAD are also full members of the Ross and Cromarty Drug and Alcohol Forum, which is part of the HDAAT organisation, and have always taken a proactive role in the activities of the Forum.

"HDAAT are now looking at ways of enabling existing AMAD clients to receive support from other services such as Needle Exchange and Family Support as a priority.

"Chief Officers from the various agencies are to meet soon to address the specifics of how to continue to deliver services to the residents in Alness."