Number of suicides in Scotland lowest in eight years

The number of probable suicides in Scotland is the lowest in eight years.

There were 704 deaths in 2024, a decrease of 11%, according to figures from the National Records of Scotland.

Although the number of probable suicide deaths dropped for both men and women, the rate remains 2.9 times higher for males.

Head of vital events statistics for NRS, Phillipa Haxton, said the rate of probable suicide mortality has been “consistently higher for males since this data series began in 1974”.

The rate of probable suicides was also 2.5 times higher in the most deprived communities than in the least deprived areas in 2024.

That gap has decreased since the start of the millennium, driven by decreasing rates in the most deprived areas.

Of Scotland’s 32 local authorities, ten saw an increase in the number of probable suicide deaths since last year, and 21 have seen the number of deaths fall or stay the same.

“Every person lost to suicide is someone’s loved one and when someone takes their own life, the impact on everyone around them is devastating,” said minister for mental wellbeing Tom Arthur.

Visiting The Neuk mental health crisis centre in Perth, Arthur said the figures are a reminder of the importance of supporting those struggling.

“My sympathy is with all those affected by the loss of a family member or friend through suicide,” he said.

“The decline in the number of probable suicides is encouraging, but we will not be complacent. Our aim is for anyone, regardless of age, who has thoughts of taking their own life, or is affected by suicide, to get the help they need.”

Help and support is available now if you need it.

The Samaritans can be contacted any time, from any phone, free on 116 123, email at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch. Details of other services and more information can be found on the NHS website here.