The number of births registered in Scotland in the first three months of this year was 3.9% lower than average, according to National Records of Scotland.
There were 11,431 births registered in Scotland between 1 January and 31 March 2025. This is 460 below the average of 11,891 for quarter one.
In the same time period there were 16,721 deaths. This is 1,402 fewer (7.7%) than the expected number of deaths, which was 18,123. The expected number of deaths is calculated using a method which adjusts for the growing and aging population.
For all broad age groups, the number of deaths was lower than the expected number in the quarterly statistics. This is true for both males and females.
Phillipa Haxton, Head of Vital Events statistics at NRS, said:
“Cancer remained by far the leading cause of death with 4,118 deaths compared to the next largest cause respiratory diseases at 2,291. The top four causes also include Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and coronary heart disease. Together these made up 60% of all deaths.”
There were 43 stillbirths, the same as the quarter one average. There were 45 infant deaths, three higher than the quarter one average of 42.
In the first quarter of 2025 there were 3,233 marriages. This was 11.1% higher than the quarter one average but at least some of that increase is likely due to covid disruption in earlier years.
Background
To see the full publication and access the data go to Births, deaths and other vital events - first quarter 2025 - National Records of Scotland (NRS)
NRS statistics are produced by independent, professional statisticians and meet the standard for Accredited National Statistics.
Media contact:
Donna Green
NRS Communications
communications@nrscotland.gov.uk
