New figures show number of alcohol-specific deaths has dropped in Falkirk

The National Records of Scotland (NRS) have published their annual report on alcohol-specific deaths in Scotland.

Recently released statistics show that alcohol-specific deaths in the Falkirk area have dropped by 25 per cent over the last year, with 36 deaths in 2024 reduced to 27 in 2025.

The publication states the figures are based on where the deceased lived rather than where their death took place, unless the deceased lived outside of Scotland when the death would then be assigned to where it took place.

The number of alcohol-specific deaths increased in 11 council areas, decreased in 16 areas, and remained the same in five areas. Fife had the largest decrease between 2024 to 2025, followed by Falkirk, Angus, and Aberdeen City who each had nine less deaths in 2025 compared to 2024. NRS notes that this measurement doesn’t take the size of an area’s population into account.

Overall, Scotland’s alcohol-specific deaths decreased by three per cent from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, 1,152 alcohol-specific deaths were registered, which is the lowest number from 2020 to 2025. It also marks the second year of consecutive decreases in this type of death.

Throughout the country, the number of alcohol-specific deaths decreased in males but increased in females. In 2025, 758 males died, which was a decrease of five percent from the previous year. Meanwhile, 394 females died from alcohol-specific deaths, an increase of three per cent from 2024.

For those worried about their own or someone else’s drinking, a list of helplines that can provide support can be found on NHS Inform.