Scotland recorded its lowest annual number of births since records began more than 170 years ago, according to figures released by National Records of Scotland.
A total of 45,067 live births were registered in 2025.
This was 696 fewer than in 2024 and the lowest annual total since records began in 1855.
There were 61,726 deaths registered during the year. It was the 11th consecutive year in which deaths outnumbered births.
A similar period of “negative natural change” happened between 1995 and 2005, when there were almost 35,000 more deaths than births.
However, the gap has grown significantly. Since 2014, Scotland has recorded almost 125,000 more deaths than births.
Deaths from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease narrowly overtook ischaemic heart disease as the leading cause of death in 2025.
It was the first time dementia and Alzheimer’s disease had been recorded as the most common cause of death.
The figures divide cancer into several different causes. Cancer would remain the leading cause of death if all forms were grouped together.
Scotland’s total fertility rate fell to 1.23. A rate of 2.1 would be needed for the population to replace itself without migration.
Scotland last recorded a fertility rate above 2.1 in 1973.
The country’s population increased slightly in the year to 30th June 2025, with the rise driven by migration.
Registrar General and National Records of Scotland chief executive Alison Byrne said: “This is the eleventh year in a row where deaths have outnumbered births and the third in a row where we have a new record low for the number of births in Scotland.
“Generations of change are captured in these figures. This data will inform debate and decision-making across the public and private sectors, as we consider what this means for our future.”
There were 188 stillbirths in 2025, representing a rate of 4.2 for every 1,000 live and still births.
It was the highest stillbirth rate since 2020, although it remained low by historical standards.
There were 150 infant deaths, representing a rate of 3.3 for every 1,000 live births. This fell from 3.5 in 2024.
The number of adoptions fell to 340, compared with 369 in both 2023 and 2024. A stepparent was the adopter in 44% of cases.
There were 27,191 marriages in Scotland during 2025, an increase of 236 from the previous year.
A total of 944 civil partnerships were registered, the highest number since 2006. Mixed-sex couples accounted for 82% of them.
Figures also showed that 20 people aged under 18 were married in Scotland during 2025.