Probable suicides across Ayrshire decreased in 2024

Deaths by suicide in Scotland also dropped compared to 2023

- STEPHEN BARK

Probable suicides in Ayrshire decreased in 2024although figures varied across the region and the overall rate remained above the Scottish average.

Annual figures published by the National Records of Scotland revealed that there were 57 probable suicides across the county in 2024 - down from 65 in the previous year.

Only four times since records began in 1974 has the number of probable suicides in Ayrshire been higher. Probable suicides include any death recorded as such on the death certificate and certified by a doctor.

Both East and South Ayrshire saw a decrease while the number in North Ayrshire increased for the first time in four years.

In South Ayrshire there were 19 probable suicides - down from 22 in 2023. East Ayrshire saw the biggest drop after 16 probable suicides were recorded last year - down from 24 in 2023. North Ayrshire recorded 22 probable suicides which was up from 19.

Across Scotland, there were 704 deaths by suicide in 2024 - a decrease of 86 from 2023 and the and the lowest number since 2017.