Alcohol service wins extra funds

The centre is said to provide a unique support for alcohol problems

A threatened Aberdeen alcohol project which provides an alternative to police cells or hospital has had a stay of execution, BBC Scotland can reveal.

Albyn House has had �140,000 of funding cut by Aberdeen City Council on the grounds it was underused.

Following a meeting between council, health and police chiefs, a short-term funding package has been agreed.

BBC Scotland understands NHS Grampian will provide an extra �10,000 every month for up to four months.

That will coincide with the completion of an audit into the service.

'Hugely valued'

The facility provides people with drink problems so-called designated places of safety.

NHS Grampian chief executive Richard Carey told BBC Scotland said all those involved in the talks agreed the "unique" service - of which they were "proud" - was needed in the long-term.

Aberdeen Central Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald said: "I want to pay tribute to NHS Grampian's vision in making this short term deal possible.

"I have no doubt that the review will demonstrate that the work of Albyn House is hugely valued to all concerned."

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