The figures also show:

• Compared to 2023, male probable suicide deaths decreased by 71 (12 per cent) to 518 deaths in 2024, while female probable suicide deaths decreased by 15 (7 per cent) to 186 deaths.
• The rate of probable suicide mortality in males was 2.9 times the rate for females in 2024. Rates have been consistently higher for males since the series began, ranging from 2.6 to 3.6 times as high compared to females.
• The rate of probable suicide mortality in the most deprived areas in Scotland was 2.5 times as high as in the least deprived areas in Scotland.
• The gap between rates of probable suicide mortality between the most and least deprived areas has decreased since 2001, driven by lower rates in the most deprived areas.
• In 2024, age-specific rates of probable suicide mortality were highest for those aged between 25 and 64. The rates for these age groups were over twice as high compared to those aged over 75 or under 25.
• Since 2000, the average age at death for probable suicide deaths has generally increased, from 41.9 years in 2000 to 47.5 years in 2024. This is slightly younger than 48.2 in 2022, which represented the oldest average age at death since 1980.

Visiting The Neuk mental health crisis centre in Perth, minister for mental wellbeing Tom Arthur said: “These figures remind us of how vital it is to support those who are struggling with their mental health. Every person lost to suicide is someone’s loved one and when someone takes their own life, the impact on everyone around them is devastating. My sympathy is with all those affected by the loss of a family member or friend through suicide.

“The decline in the number of probable suicides is encouraging, but we will not be complacent. Our aim is for anyone, regardless of age, who has thoughts of taking their own life, or is affected by suicide, to get the help they need.

“Together with COSLA and our partners, Suicide Prevention Scotland, we are driving forward our 10-year Suicide Prevention Strategy to deliver on our ambition to reduce suicide deaths in Scotland.

“At its heart is tackling the underlying factors and inequalities which cause suicide and supporting people most at risk including those living in poverty, middle aged men and those in rural areas.

“We increased our investment in suicide prevention to £2.8 million for the current financial year, meeting our commitment to double the suicide prevention budget in the current parliamentary term.

“We are committed to building a Scotland where everyone feels valued, supported, and connected. We will continue to listen, learn, and act - guided by evidence and compassion.”

Wendy Given, chief operational officer at The Neuk, said: “At The Neuk, we see the ripple effects of suicide every day and we are here to provide a safe, compassionate space where people in crisis are listened to, supported, and shown compassion. Services like ours must remain visible, valued, and sustainable, so that hope and connection are always within reach.”