New suicide figures published
Issued: 6 Aug 2026
Health and local authority experts have welcomed the publication of statistics that show a 26% decrease in the male suicide rate for the Highland Council area.
The figures compare the average suicide rate between 2026-2004 and 2026-2009.
Public Health Consultant Dr Cameron Stark said: “The decrease in the number of people dying by suicide is very welcome. Despite this the Highland Council area rate is still in the highest 20% of rates for Scottish local authority areas and this is a reminder of the importance of continuing our partnership work on suicide prevention."
NHS Highland works with Northern Constabulary, Scottish Prison Service, The Highland Council, Highland Users Group (HUG), Samaritans and many other voluntary sector organisations to help raise awareness about suicide and suicide prevention.
Choose Life Coordinator Keith Walker said: “Our training programme includes courses on Suicide awareness, intervention skills and risk management which are delivered to health and social work professionals, voluntary sector organisations and members of the public.”
Projects supported by Choose Life in Highland include:
- Support services, training and awareness raising for young adults vulnerable to depression, through Depression Alliance Scotland
- Mental health recovery action planning, with NHS Highalnd working in partnership with HUG
- Counselling and peer support groups in Wester-ross, Badenoch & Strathpey, Black Isle and Caithness
If you are thinking about suicide talk to someone you know or call one of the helplines below.
Samaritans 08457 90 90 90
NHS 24 08454 24 24 24
Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87
