Homicides in Scotland at lowest level in half century

Cases recorded by Police Scotland fell to 45 homicides in 2024/25, down 12 on the previous year. For all of the 45 homicide victims recorded in 2024/25, the associated case was solved.

The greatest reduction in homicide victims over the past 20 years has been among young people aged 16-24 – falling from 110 victims between 2005/06 and 2009/10 to 31 between 2020/21 and 2024/25.

Of the 45 victims recorded in 2024/25, 67 per cent (30) were male and 33 per cent (15) were female.

For the latest year, the majority (63 per cent) of male victims were killed by an acquaintance (19 of 30 male victims). Female victims were most likely to be killed by a partner or ex-partner (47 per cent, or seven of 15 female victims).

For each of the past 20 years, the most common method of killing was with a sharp instrument. In 2024/25, a sharp instrument was the main method of killing for 62 per cent (or 28) of homicide victims.

Of the 55 persons accused of homicide in the latest year, 91 per cent (50) were male and nine per cent (five) were female. Scotland’s Chief Statistician said this is “the lowest number of recorded homicide accused” since 1976. There was a 100 per cent success rate by Police Scotland in solving  the 45 homicide victims recorded in 2024/25.

Scotland’s Chief Statistician noted that while most recorded incidents of homicide in these statistics have one victim and one accused, some incidents can have multiple victims and/or accused. .

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “My thoughts are with every family who have lost a loved one, however the fact that the number of homicides has fallen significantly over the last decade, now to a record low in 2024/25, is clearly a positive and welcome trend.

“While the number of young lives lost to homicide has also reduced significantly over recent years, behind every statistic is the grief of loved ones and a tragedy that demands continued and determined action.

“I am grateful to Police Scotland for their work that saw 100 per cent of cases solved last year – a fact which, along with the decline in homicides, is further evidence that Scotland remains a safe place to live and justice is being served.”

She added: “The Scottish government has invested more than £6 million since 2023 to support implementation of the Violence Prevention Framework for Scotland. This funding provides a range of activities to prevent violence and reduce its harm, much of which is supporting young people away from violence.

“To help prevent the future abuse and death of women and girls, we now have the statutory framework in place to create what will be Scotland’s first national multi-agency domestic homicide and suicide review model, with reviews expected to start from next spring.”