Although the number of probable suicide deaths dropped for both men and women, the rate remains 2.9 times higher for males
The number of probable suicides in Scotland is the lowest in eight years.
By Lucy Ashton
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.
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.”
Scottish Labour Health spokesperson Jackie Baillie said “Any fall in the number of deaths by suicide is welcome, but there can be absolutely no room for complacency when hundreds of lives are still being cut short.
“Behind these figures are hundreds of people let down in their hour of need and hundreds of families destroyed.
“It is a scandal that suicide rates remain so much higher in the poorest communities.
“More must be done to ensure that people can get the help they need when they need it – whether it’s improving care for those in crisis, tackling long waits for mental health support, or providing the wider support people 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.