There were 703 probable suicide deaths in 2025, according to new figures from National Records of Scotland.
The figure is one fewer than in 2024. Among males there were 522 probable suicide deaths and among females 181.
The rate of probable suicides in the most deprived areas was 2.7 times the rate in the least deprived areas, a gap which has narrowed over time.
Head of vital events statistics at NRS, Phillipa Haxton, said:
“The number of probable suicide deaths registered in Scotland has remained stable between 2024 and 2025.
“Looking at longer term changes, the gap between rates in the most and least deprived areas has decreased since 2001, driven by a reduction of 42% in the probable suicide mortality rate in the most deprived areas since the start of the century. Probable suicide rates continue to be consistently higher among males than females. Since the time series began, the rate for males has remained between 2.6 and 3.7 times higher than for females”
Since 2000, the average age at death from probable suicide has generally increased, from 42.0 years in 2000 to 48.2 years in 2025. This is the joint highest age at death with 2022 since 1980. The average age at death for all causes is 77.
In 2025, age-specific rates were highest for those aged between 45 and 64, at 19.9 per 100,000, followed by rates for those aged 25 to 44 at 16.8 per 100,000. The rates for these age groups were over twice as high compared to those aged over 75 or under 25.
Background
The full report Probable Suicides 2025 is available on the NRS website.
NRS has updated its methodology to align with ONS, which produces statistics for England and Wales, and NISRA in Northern Ireland. The age-standardised mortality rate for probable suicide deaths is now calculated per 100,000 population aged 10+. When making comparisons between UK countries please refer to the time series data in this publication to ensure you are comparing figures produced using the same methodology.
NRS is currently calling for feedback on proposed changes to its programme of statistical publications. This publication is not affected by the proposals. You can find out more on our website.
