Suicide rate increases in Scotland, new figures show

Probable deaths by suicide increased in 2023, with those from the poorest communities 2.5 times more likely to take their own life, official data shows.

Figures published by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) show there were 792 deaths recorded as probable suicides last year, an increase of 30 from 2022.

Male suicides increased by 34 to 590, while female suicides decreased by four to 202 in the last year.

Official data has estimated the rate of suicide in men to be more than three times as high than the female rate.

It also shows the average age of death for suicides had increased overall from 41.9 in the year 2000 to 46.6 in 2023.

Phillipa Haxton, head of vital events at NRS, said remote small towns "have had the highest suicide rates for more of the last decade".

In 2023, the rate of suicide in those from remote small towns was estimated to be 20.5 deaths per 100,000 of the population, compared to 13.2 from large urban areas.

For men, those from remote small towns had a rate of 33.5 deaths per 100,000 people, compared to 21 deaths in large urban areas.

There was a similar trend in women, with the rate 7.8 per 100,000 people for those in remote small towns, compared to 5.8 in large urban areas.

The statistics also show that at a local level, the estimated suicide rate was significantly higher than the Scottish average in Dundee, Highland and East Ayrshire council areas.

While 2023 data for the rest of the UK has not yet been released, based on statistics from the previous year, Scotland had the highest rate of suicide deaths of all four nations with 14 deaths per 100,000 people, followed by Wales with 12.4, Northern Ireland with 12.3 and England with 10.5.

'A distressing read'

Dr Murray Smith, suicide prevention lead, Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, said: "Every death by suicide is devastating for all those affected.

"The increased rate in probable deaths in some of our most deprived areas illustrates the ongoing health inequalities experienced by many Scots.

"Efforts in suicide prevention and focus on ensuring those in suicidal crisis can access prompt and appropriate help - wherever they are - remain vitally important."

Mental wellbeing minister Maree Todd said: "This report makes for distressing reading and my sincere condolences go out to all those who have been affected by the loss of a loved one by suicide.

"I am determined that together with Cosla and other partners we reduce the number of deaths by suicide and improve the nation's mental health as a whole.

"The ambition and innovation in Scotland's suicide prevention approach is widely recognised. However, we know there is always more to do.

"We are working hard with communities and services to help people talk more openly about suicide and offer compassionate support.

"We are prioritising reaching more people at higher risk of suicide, including those living in poverty, middle-aged men and LGBT communities."

Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.