The key findings of the National Records of Scotland (NRS) Probable Suicide report state that there has been an increase of 4% in probable suicide deaths in Scotland. Our thoughts are with their loved ones and everyone affected. 

The NRS report also notes that in 2023, the five-year average rate of suicide mortality at health board level was significantly higher than the Scottish average in NHS Highland and NHS Tayside, both rural areas.

In council areas, while Dundee City Council had the highest rates of suicide mortality, rural council areas such as Highland, East Ayrshire, Moray, Perth and Kinross, North Ayrshire alongside Argyll and Bute were above the Scottish average for suicide mortality.

Furthermore, remote small towns have had the highest mortality rates for most of the last decade. In 2023, the highest suicide rates were in remote small towns (20.5 deaths per 100,000 population). The lowest rates were found in large urban areas (13.2 deaths per 100,000 population).

As an organisation operating the Suicide Bereavement Service across the Highlands and Argyll and Bute, Change Mental Health are familiar with the challenges facing those in rural communities and will continue to support those who need our support. We will redouble our efforts to work with the Scottish Government and Suicide Prevention Scotland to reduce the number of deaths by suicide and to create a future where no one faces mental illness alone.

read the report