Figures published today by Scotland’s chief statistician show that 56 victims were recorded in 2025-26, nine more than the 47 recorded in 2024-25.

Despite the annual increase, the number of victims fell by 14 per cent over the past decade, from 65 in 2016-17 to 56 in 2025-26. Over 20 years, the total declined by 54 per cent, from 121 in 2006-07.

The greatest reduction over that period was among people aged 16-24. There were 113 homicide victims in this age group between 2006-07 and 2010-11, compared with 28 between 2021-22 and 2025-26.

Of the 56 victims recorded in the latest year, 41 (73 per cent) were male and 15 (27 per cent) were female. A total of 81 people were accused of homicide, of whom 75 (93 per cent) were male and six (seven per cent) were female. All 56 cases were solved.

Sharp instruments remained the most common method of killing, accounting for 29 victims (52 per cent) in 2025-26. This has been the leading method in each of the past 20 years.

Most male victims were killed by an acquaintance, accounting for 27 of the 41 cases (66 per cent). Among female victims, 10 of the 15 (67 per cent) were killed by a current or former partner.

There were no incidents involving more than one victim in 2025-26.

Justice Secretary Neil Gray said: “My thoughts are with anyone who has lost a loved one to homicide. While the number of victims has fallen by more than half since 2006-07, there is a devastating loss behind every statistic.

“The long-term decline in homicides, especially among young people, reflects sustained efforts to prevent violence, including knife crime, and support people at risk.

“These figures make clear that a majority of the women killed in 2025-26 were killed by a partner or ex-partner. This reinforces our absolute determination to do all we can to tackle violence against women and girls by preventing it from happening in the first place, supporting victims, and ensuring that violent men change their behaviour and are held accountable for their actions.

“In addition, a national review process was introduced in April this year aimed at learning lessons following a death where domestic abuse is known or suspected.”