HATE crime charges are now at their highest level in more than two decades in Scotland, according to the latest statistics.
Figures released by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) showed an increase in charges reported compared to 2024/25.
In 2025/26, the total number of charges reported "containing at least one element of hate crime" was 7115, an increase of 17%.
This is the highest number reported over the period since 2003/04, when figures first became available.
Scotland’s most senior prosecutor, Lord Advocate Ruth Charteris KC, said the rise in “reports of crime motivated by racial, sexual orientation and disability aggravated hatred should concern us all”.
She insisted prosecutors “remain focused on holding offenders to account, helping to ensure Scotland is a place where everyone can live free from the threat of hatred or abuse”.
In total, 3990 charges relating to race crime were reported in 2025/26, an increase of 17% compared to the previous year. This is the highest number of charges reported since 2013/14. Race crime remains the most commonly reported hate crime, featuring in 56% of all hate crime charges.
There has also been a 20% increase in sexual orientation aggravated crime, from 1719 to 2062 charges, and a 25% increase in disability aggravated crime, from 1099 to 1370 charges.
The figures show increases across several categories of hate crime, including offences aggravated by disability, sexual orientation, religion and transgender identity.
The number of sexual‑orientation‑aggravated crimes is the highest number of charges reported since legislation creating this aggravation came into force in 2010, and reverses a slight downward trend in charges reported in 2023/24 and 2024/25. The proportion of hate crime charges that relate to sexual orientation was 29% in 2025/26.
Figures also show that the number of disability‑aggravated charges increased by 25% to 1370 in 2025/26. This is the highest annual number of charges reported since the legislation was introduced and continues an almost unbroken upward trend in the numbers since this aggravation came into force in 2010.
There were 537 charges with a religious aggravation reported in 2025/26, 5.1% more than in 2024/25.
There were 104 charges reported in 2025/26 with an aggravation of transgender identity, compared with 86 reported in 2024/25. This is the highest number of such charges since legislation creating this aggravation first came into force in 2010.
Charteris said: “I want to reach out to communities across Scotland and say that prosecutors are here to ensure that every report of a crime motivated by hate will be carefully considered and brought before the court where appropriate.
“That commitment is reflected in our response to reports of hate crime. Last year, 94% of charges resulted in prosecutorial action, while only 2% of all hate crime charges reported resulted in no prosecutorial action.
“We each have a role to play in challenging the actions of those who are motivated by prejudice and hate. Today’s publication highlights that prosecutors remain focused on holding offenders to account, helping to ensure Scotland is a place where everyone can live free from the threat of hatred or abuse.”
Reacting to the comments, Victims and Community Safety Minister Kirsten Oswald said: “Recent events have highlighted increased levels of intimidation, and we know the impact this has had on communities who may already be feeling vulnerable.
"These latest figures show that hate crime remains a serious issue in Scotland and this government stands firmly against any form of hatred, prejudice or intolerance and the rhetoric which underpins it.
“Everyone deserves to live free from harm, and no one in Scotland should fear being targeted because of who they are.
“While it is essential that people feel empowered to report incidents of hate crime – and this increase may partly reflect improved reporting and awareness – each case represents real harm to individuals and communities.
“We stand united with Police Scotland, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, and community partners to prevent hate crime, support victims, and improve data and understanding.”
