The number of births registered in Scotland between 1 July and 30 September 2025 was 3.8% lower than average, according to new figures from National Records of Scotland.
There were 11,747 births in the latest quarter, compared to the quarter three average of 12,214.
There were 67 stillbirths, compared to the quarter three average of 46. This represents a rate of 5.7 stillbirths per 1,000 live and still births – the highest since quarter one of 2011. There were 40 infant deaths, lower than the quarter three average of 44.
Overall, there were 14,161 deaths in the same time period. This is 7.4% lower than the expected number of deaths, which was 15,287. The expected number of deaths is an estimate which takes into account the growing and ageing population.
For all broad age groups, the number of deaths was lower than expected this quarter. Female deaths were 627 (8.3%) lower than expected and male deaths were 499 (6.5%) lower.
Phillipa Haxton, Head of Vital Events statistics, said:
“In quarter three, cancer accounted for 29% of all deaths. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias made up 11%, coronary heart disease 10%, and respiratory diseases 9%. Cerebrovascular disease accounted for a further 6%. Taken together, these causes represented nearly two thirds of all deaths.”
There were 9,865 marriages. This was 2.8% lower than the quarter three average. Of these, 3.9% were same-sex marriages, compared with a five-year average of 3.7%.
Background
To see the full publication and access the data go to Births, deaths and other vital events - third quarter 2025 - National Records of Scotland (NRS)
NRS statistics are produced by independent, professional statisticians and meet the standard for Accredited National Statistics.
