The Thistle Centre in the east end of Glasgow will provide a space where drug users can take illegal substances such as heroin and cocaine under medical supervision in a clean and hygienic environment.
Staff will also be able to assist anyone who suffers an overdose.
From Monday, the centre, in Hunter Street in the east end, will be open to users from 9am to 9pm, 365 days a year.
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The centre will be supported with £2 million of Scottish Government funding each year.
Gillian Mackay, the Scottish Greens’ health spokesperson, said: “This is a crucial milestone. This space will allow for safer consumption for those with active addiction. By reducing overdose risks and drug-related harms, it will save lives.
“It is a big step forward, and it is one of many that we need to take if we are to tackle drug misuse in Scotland. This is a day that many have long campaigned for, and I am glad that the barriers blocking it have finally been overcome.”
Mackay (above) said the facility could become a cornerstone in reducing the number of drug-related deaths in Scotland and tackling addiction in general, which she described as a “public health crisis”.
The MSP added: “We must look to end active addiction and keep people on the road to recovery, not only by providing support through our healthcare services, but by offering support in other key areas such as secure housing, employment and education opportunities.
“The road to recovery looks different for every person, but they need reasons to stay recovered, and that starts with small but fundamental steps like treating them with compassion and respect.”
Speaking during a tour of the facility last week First Minister John Swinney said: “I hope it will help us to reduce drugs deaths in Scotland and to help people to find a different route in their lives.
“We will evaluate the effectiveness of this particular intervention to determine what progress is achieved as a consequence of it, what impact it has had, and to learn the lessons from it.”
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “I hope that this will be another tool in our box in reducing the harm and reducing the level of drug-related deaths that we see in Scotland, and that the pilot will be successful.
“Critically I want this to be a facility that is well used. I want there to be a confidence in the community about coming here.”