This is the lowest number of recorded homicide victims since comparable records began in 1976. Over the latest 10 year period from 2013-14 to 2022-23, the number of victims fell by 16 per cent (or 10 victims) from 62 to 52.

Over the latest 20 year period from 2003-04 to 2022-23, the number of homicide victims in Scotland has fallen by over half (52 per cent or 57 victims) from 109 to 52.

The biggest reduction in homicide victims over the last 20 years has been amongst young people aged 16-24. In the five years between 2003-04 to 2007-08 there were 126 victims in this age range. This dropped to 24 across the latest five years between 2018-19 to 2022-23.

Of the 52 victims recorded in 2022-23, 75 per cent (39) were male and 25 per cent (13) were female.

In 2022-23, 73 persons were accused of homicide, of which 88 per cent (64) were male and 12 per cent (nine) were female. For all the 52 homicide victims recorded in 2022-23, the associated case was solved.

For each of the last 20 years, the most common method of killing was with a sharp instrument. In 2022-23, a sharp instrument was the main method of killing for 58 per cent (or 30) of homicide victims.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Every life lost to homicide is a tragedy and my condolences go out to anyone who has lost a loved one in this way.

“These figures show, there are fewer such tragedies with the number of homicides falling to this new record low. Coupled with the fact that recorded crime in Scotland remains at one of the lowest levels in the past 50 years, shows that our communities continue to be safe places to live.

“Whilst I welcome this continued decrease in homicides, I recognise that there is more we need to do to prevent violence and reduce harm when it does occur. That’s why our Violence Prevention Framework is so important in its aim to prevent and divert people away from violence supported by more than £2 million of investment.

“The Domestic Homicide Review Taskforce is also continuing to develop a process to support organisations to learn lessons following a death and better identify and respond effectively to the risks associated with abuse, to help prevent further deaths.

“We remain committed to working closely with both the Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland to support the delivery of the Joint Policing Strategy to ensure together we continue to have a safe, protected and resilient Scotland.”