Data released today by the National Records of Scotland has shown 703 people died by suicide in Scotland over 2025.
Data released today by the National Records of Scotland has shown 703 people died by suicide in Scotland over 2025, a decrease of one from the previous year.
Neil Mathers, Executive Director of Samaritans Scotland, said:
“Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. Families, friends, and communities are grieving the loss of a loved one, and this may be especially hard for them today.
"At this moment, there are still too many people living without hope for the future. We keep those lost to suicide and everyone impacted by their loss in our minds as we continue our essential work to ensure fewer people die by suicide in Scotland."
The latest data shows a continued decrease in probable suicides compared to the five-year average. Following an 11% reduction in Scotland between 2023 and 2024, this positive downward trend is continued in the figures released today.
However, suicide continues to be an issue of inequality. In 2025, the rate of probable suicide mortality in the most deprived areas in Scotland was 2.7 times higher than in the least deprived areas, representing an increase from 2024, when the rate was 2.5 times higher.
At Samaritans, we know that suicide is complex and rarely caused by one factor alone. Most often, there are multiple reasons why someone feels like they have no choice but to end their life.
The statistics released today underline the importance of continued suicide prevention work to ensure these numbers continue to fall.
At the beginning of the year, we worked with our Lived Experience Advisory Group to develop a manifesto ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May. Our manifesto, 'Five Priorities to Save Lives' urged the next Scottish government to embed suicide prevention work into a variety of areas; including better funding for services, so that help is available where and when people need it most, and reducing the inequalities that contribute to suicide risk in Scotland.
Neil said: "It is vital that suicide prevention continues to be fully supported and funded as we work towards fewer deaths by suicide in Scotland, at the same time as tackling the issues and inequalities that contribute to people feeling like they have no other option but to end their own life."
Samaritans volunteers are available to anyone in emotional distress, 24/7, 365 days-a-year. Just call 116 123.
Suicide Prevention Scotland’s analysis of the data can be found here.
We encourage anyone who is discussing or reporting on this data to remind people that suicide is preventable, to encourage help-seeking, and to include sources of support, such as Samaritans.
Whatever you’re going through, you can call Samaritans free any time on 116 123 or visit our website for more information.