An Ayrshire mother has told STV News that she blames legal party drug mephedrone for the death of her son.
Joe Kiltie, 19, from Ayr died after a night out with his friends at the weekend. His mother Angie Kiltie says she found some of the so-called legal high in his room.
The drugs has become increasingly popular in Scotland as a result of its legal status and its easy availability. It is known by a number of names including MM-Cat, Bubbles and Meow. It can be sold because although it has not been tested, it can still be sold if it is described as 'not for human consumption.'
It is believed to be becoming more popular among drug users who describe Its effects have been compared to those of ecstasy and cocaine, despite growing health concerns.
IN DETAIL
- Mephedrone - the controversial legal high
- 'Legal high' sparks political row
- Drug mephedrone to be banned
STV News was able to purchase the substance at a shop in Ayr.
The Scottish Government has stepped up calls for mephedrone to be outlawed following the deaths of two teenagers in England.
Mephedrone had been taken by Louis Wainwright, 18, and Nicholas Smith, 19, before they died in Scunthorpe, Yorkshire, on Monday.
Holyrood's Community Safety Minister, Fergus Ewing, said the UK Government, which has responsibility for banning or reclassifying drugs, must be ready to act quickly, with mephedrone also linked to the death of a woman in Scotland this year.
Ayr MSP John Scott is in no doubt that the drug should be banned. He said: "I think it is time that we have it withdrawn, in the very least in the short term, until a proper evaluation is carried out."
Tributes to the teenager poured into his social networking site. Friends writing on his Bebo page voiced their shock at the sudden death.
One message said: "Jordan Kiltie Gone but not forgotten. Jordan was always the funny one at the partyz he alwayz put a smile on everyones face. Hez was adored by everyone who knew him. Still cant belive hez gone. He will always remain in our heartz always and forever. Love yhoo gawjus Sleep tight xcxcxcxc."
