Scotland has seen a rise in drink spiking in recent years. As the new academic year begins, it is important to remind new and returning students to stay safe whilst enjoying Edinburgh’s nightlife.
Spiking is the act of injection or adding of drugs/alcohol to another person’s drink without their knowledge or consent. According to recent figures by Police Scotland, there has already been 117 spiking crimes in 2026, as of the 17th of August. This is a rise from 103 reports in 2024 and 144 in 2025.
Speaking to students at Edinburgh Napier University, these incidents are not uncommon.
Elizabeth was in her first year of University when she was spiked by needle injection on a night out with friends.
“I felt something on my arm whilst dancing, so left to go to the bathroom. I ended up collapsing multiple times inside of the club.”
“It’s so scary because it can happen so easily when surrounded by so many people in a small space. I know others who have been spiked via their drinks.”
Elizabeth recalled a lack of support from club security.
“I didn’t get much support from bouncers at the club and ended up having to pay for an uber to A&E myself.”
“I was lucky to have been with friends the entire time, who were able to than come with me to get checked over.”
There have been many calls for tighter laws and increased awareness around the dangers of drugs.
Spike awareness UK was founded by the parents of 18-year-old Greg Mackie, who died from a spiked drink in his student halls whilst studying at Edinburgh college in 2017. The organisation is petitioning for compulsory drink lids to be provided in bars and for spiking to be made a crime under Scottish law.
However, The Scottish Women’s rights centre believe that responsibility for spiking should be shifted back to the perpetrator of the crime rather than the victim.
“Educating victims about how to avoid being spiked does nothing to address underlying cultural issues in the context of gender-based violence.”
If you or anyone you know has been affected by spiking, you can contact the Safer Scotland or the Scottish Women’s rights centre through their website.
Edinburgh Napier also provides student support and guidance, found here.
