THE number of babies born in Scotland in the first three months of this year is 3.9% lower than average, new figures have revealed.
The National Records of Scotland (NRS) published the latest statistics on the number of births and deaths in Scotland in the first quarter of 2025, showing a continued downward trend in the number of children born.
Equalities minister Kaukab Stewart said the figures showed that Scotland needs migration to support the population, and criticised UK Labour’s approach to the immigration system.
NRS said that there were 11,431 births registered between January 1 and March 31 2025, 460 below the average of 11,891.
In the same period there were 16,721 deaths, 1402 fewer (7.7%) than expected.
Scotland’s birth rate is also continuing to decline, at 8.4 live births per 1000 population.
You can see some of the key figures below.
Number of births
As the above graph shows, the number of births since 2014, in each first quarter, is on a continual decline.
In 2014, there were 13,930 births between January and March. The latest figures show this has now dropped to 11,431.
The overall birth rate for the first quarter of each year is also on a decline from 2014 as the above graph shows. In 2014, it was 10.6 live births per 1000 population, and now it sits at 8.4.
Deaths
Scotland’s population is at risk of decline not just because birth rates are falling, but because the number of deaths is currently more than births. This has been a constant trend since 2014, according to NRS figures, which you can see in the graph below.
In 2025, the leading cause of death was cancer.
Phillipa Haxton, head of vital events statistics at NRS, said: “Cancer remained by far the leading cause of death with 4118 deaths compared to the next largest cause, respiratory diseases at 2291.
“The top four causes also include Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and coronary heart disease. Together these made up 60% of all deaths.”
Why does it matter?
The last Scottish Census revealed that if it hadn’t been for migration, Scotland’s population would have declined.
And as we previously told, Scotland needs migration more than the rest of the UK because of its specific circumstances. As the country is facing a population decline, experts have said that tailored migration could in part help to solve the issue.
Stewart said of the latest figures: “The latest statistics highlight what we already know, that without migration, Scotland’s working age population will fall as deaths continue to outnumber births.
“Positive net migration is essential for supporting the size of the working-age population in Scotland, which is crucial for economic growth, public service planning, and community cohesion.
"Later this week the Scottish Parliament will debate how we can continue to attract and retain the migrants we need as part of a system that works for Scotland.
“We need talented and committed people from across the world to live, work and study here without excessive barriers. A one-size fits all approach to immigration fails to meet the needs of Scotland and much of the UK.
“We are deeply disappointed that the UK Government’s white paper on immigration fails to take on board our proposals to help meet Scotland’s distinct demographic and economic requirements.
“That is why we are calling on the UK Government to deliver changes to the immigration system that meets the distinct needs of our economy and population, in particular our rural and island communities.”
It is understood the Scottish Government is set to publish policy proposals it put to the Home Office while the UK Government was preparing its immigration whitepaper.
The Labour Government has taken a hard-line approach to immigration, facing criticism for moving to the right with its proposals to stop small boat crossings, and removing visa routes for those working in the care sector.
Repeated calls for a bespoke immigration visa for Scotland to tackle shortages in sectors such as care, agriculture and hospitality, have been blocked in Westminster.
