Correction (3 October 2025): An error was identified in the deaths data for Week 1 of 2025. Deaths registered on 30th and 31st December 2024 were not included, resulting in incorrect figures for that week. This issue affected the tables published from Week 37 to Week 39 2025. The relevant tables have now been corrected.
Key points in this week’s update
The provisional total number of deaths registered in Scotland in week 39 of 2025 (22 to 28 September) was 1,030. This is 171, or 14%, lower than the expected number of deaths in week 39.
Changes to methodology for excess deaths
The methodology used to calculate excess deaths changed in February 2024. More information on these changes, including figures comparing the old and new methods, can be found on the Office for National Statistics (ONS) website.
The ONS recently announced further developments to the methodology used for calculating excess deaths. This will include accounting for public holidays, refining age groups, better reflecting uncertainty, and more detailed breakdowns of excess deaths. Further information on these planned developments can be found in this blog from the ONS.
