By Stephen Bark

Copyright dailyrecord

Probable suicides in Ayrshire decreased in 2024 although 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. The overall suicide rate was 12.7 per 100,000. This was a slight decrease on last year. People living in Scotland’s most deprived areas are 2.5 times more likely to die by suicide than those living in the least deprived areas. The mortality rate for suicides in 2024 was 2.9 times as high for men as it was for women. 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.” Cllr Paul Kelly, COSLA health and social care spokesperson, added: “Behind these statistics are individuals, families and communities deeply impacted by suicide. “Local government and our partners have a vital role in improving mental health and wellbeing across Scotland. We’re committed to enhancing our ongoing suicide prevention efforts to create conditions where no one feels they must take their own life. “COSLA will continue working with the Scottish Government to deliver our joint ‘Creating Hope Together’ strategy. This includes tackling inequality across all public services – from schools and workplaces to community services.” Organisations including Samaritans, SAMH and Release Ayrshire are available to support anyone when life is difficult. You can contact Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or SAMH on 0344 800 0550 or email at info@samh.org.uk. Release Ayrshire can be contact via their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ReleaseAyrshire Don’t miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter