The number of murders in Scotland has increased by ten percent

In 2023-24, there were 57 homicide victims, a 10 percent, or five, increase from the 52 victims reported in 2022-23.

In the last 10 years, from 2014-15 to 2023-24, the number of victims fell by 10 per cent (six victims) from 63 to 57. In the last 20 years from 2004-05 to 2023-24, the number of homicide victims in Scotland fell by 58 percent (or 80 victims) from 137 to 57.

The greatest reduction in homicide victims over the past 20 years was observed among young people aged 16-24. In the five years from 2004-05 to 2008-09, there were 125 victims in this age range. Over the past five years, between 2019-20 and 2023-24, this figure has dropped to 29.

Of the 57 victims reported in 2023-2024, 77 percent (44) were male and 23 percent (13) were female.

In 2023-24, 85 people were charged with murder, of which 81 per cent (69) were men and 19 per cent (16) women. All 57 homicide victims registered in 2023-24 had a related case solved.

Over the past 20 years, the most common method of murder has been a sharp instrument. In 2023-24, a sharp instrument was the primary method of homicide for 49 percent (or 28) of homicide victims.

In the most recent year, 2023-24, the majority (64 percent) of male victims were killed by acquaintances (28 out of 44 male victims). Female victims were most likely to have been killed by a partner or ex-partner (38 percent, or five out of 13 female victims).

While most reported homicide incidents in these statistics have one victim and one accused, some incidents may have multiple victims and/or accused. There were 57 homicides in 2023-24, a 12 percent (or six) increase over the 51 in 2022-23.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Scotland continues to be a safe place to live and I am encouraged that recorded homicides remain near record lows, having fallen by 53 per cent since 2006-07. However, one homicide victim is too many, with devastating consequences for their loved ones and communities.

“The biggest fall in homicide victims over the past 20 years has been among young people aged 16-24, down to 29 in 2019-20 and 2023-24, from 125 victims in this age range between 2004-05 and 2008-09. This is the result of the targeted actions we have taken in this area.”