Civic archive and statistics body of Scotland
New statistics show Scotland’s births have fallen to a record low for the third year, while deaths outnumber births for an eleventh consecutive year. Fertility rates have dropped to 1.23, and migration is driving population growth. Stillbirths and infant deaths show small shifts, with adoptions dipping.
Scotland has the highest drug-deaths rate in Europe, with 1,133 drug-related deaths in 2025. The government has described the rise as unacceptable and intolerable and is pursuing harm-reduction measures, including decriminalisation in some form. Westminster controls drugs policy, limiting Scotland’s options. Leaders across parties are calling for action and accountability as the issue remains a central political flashpoint.