Suicides in Scotland drop by 11%, figures show

The rate of suicide for males has been consistently higher than for females since the data became available in 1974

The number of probable suicides in Scotland has fallen by 11%.

According to statistics released by the National Records of Scotland, the figure for in 2024 fell to the lowest level since 2017, with 704 recorded - 86 fewer than the previous year.

But those in the most deprived areas of Scotland were two-and-a-half times more likely to take their own lives, with a rate of 7.4 per 100,000 in the least deprived areas compared with 18.7 in the poorest areas.

The Scottish government said that although the drop was encouraging, it would not be complacent.

The rate of probable suicide mortality was 2.9 times higher for males than females in 2024. It has been consistently higher for males since the data became available in 1974.

Mental Health Minister Tom Arthur said: "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.

"Together with Cosla and our partners, Suicide Prevention Scotland, we are driving forward our 10-year suicide prevention strategy to deliver on our ambition to reduce suicide deaths in Scotland.

"At its heart is tackling the underlying factors and inequalities which cause suicide and supporting people most at risk, including those living in poverty, middle-aged men and those in rural areas."

Arthur was speaking during a visit to a mental health centre in Perth where he expressed his condolences to anyone who had lost a loved one to suicide.

He added: "We increased our investment in suicide prevention to £2.8m for the current financial year, meeting our commitment to double the suicide prevention budget in the current parliamentary term.

"We are committed to building a Scotland where everyone feels valued, supported, and connected. We will continue to listen, learn, and act - guided by evidence and compassion."

'Talk about it'

Alex Cumming, executive director of delivery and service development for the Scottish Action for Mental Health, said every death by suicide was "devastating" and each one impacted an average of 135 people.

"We need to make sure we're doing everything we can to support people who've lost someone to suicide and my heart goes out to all of them," he added.

"We cannot read too much into a single year of data, especially after rising numbers in recent years, but the fall in deaths by suicide in 2024 is welcome."

He added: "We need to re-double our collective efforts to prevent suicide across Scotland to make sure that the rate continues to go down and more lives are saved."

Haylis Smith, from Suicide Prevention Scotland, said: "Of course, we welcome a reduction in deaths by suicide, but that won't be of any consolation to everyone who knew one of the 704 that died last year.

"Our work at Suicide Prevention Scotland has to be relentless until no suicide is inevitable.

"We know the best way to prevent suicide is to talk about it, and so if you're worried about someone, please ask them if they are considering suicide."

Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said that behind the reported deaths by suicide were "hundreds of people let down in their hour of need and families destroyed".

"It is a scandal that suicide rates remain so much higher in the poorest communities," she added.

"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."

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