Glasgow has seen a rise in murders in the last year.

The city recorded 10 murders or homicides in 2023/24, up from seven the year before.

Across Scotland, there was a rise from 52 to 57 homicides.

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While there was a rise over the year, Glasgow has witnessed a huge drop in murders in the last 20 years.

In 2004/05 there were 41 killings in Glasgow.

The latest official report shows, while statistically still home to more killings than anywhere else in Scotland, the number has fallen considerably over time.

The study includes murders and culpable homicides and refers to all as homicides.

Over the last five-year period, 2019-20 to 2023-24, there were 47 homicides in Glasgow.

 For the five years between 2004/5-2008/9, there were 162 meaning the city has seen a 71% drop in homicides.

In Glasgow City, the share of national victims is higher than its share of Scotland’s population, 18% versus 12%.

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Even though Glasgow still has the highest rate it has a much higher drop in the rate of deaths with Scotland witnessing a 49% fall.

In Glasgow, a number of high-profile cases of murder or homicide have taken place in the last five-year period

Justin McLaughlin was just 14 when he was stabbed to death at High Street station in October 2021.

(Image: Police)

Daniel Haig, who was 16 at the time, was convicted and given a life sentence for Justin’s murder.

Marelle Sturrock, 35, was 29 weeks pregnant, when she was found dead at her home in Jura Street, Govan, on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. 

(Image: Newsquest)

Her partner David Yates, 38, was wanted in connection with the murder of Marelle and her unborn son Jayden. 

Yates’s body was later found in Mugdock reservoir.

The Scottish Government said there has been the biggest fall among younger victims.

Angela Constance, Justice Secretary, said:  “Scotland continues to be a safe place to live and I am encouraged that recorded homicides remain at a near record low, falling by 53% since 2006-07.

“The greatest reduction in homicide victims over the last 20 years has been amongst young people aged 16-24, dropping to 29 between 2019-20 and 2023-24, from 125 victims in this age range between 2004-05 and 2008-09.”

Constance said the figures follow focused action that has been taken.

She added: “Tackling all forms of violent crime continues to be a top priority for this Government.

“That is why through our Violence Prevention Framework, we are taking forward a range of activities to prevent violence, supported by over £2 million investment, in addition to our record police funding of £1.55 billion this year – an increase of £92.7 million.

“This has enabled Police Scotland to take on more recruits this year than at any time since 2013 and they have stated that current officer numbers are about 16,400.”

Scottish Labour, however, said the rise over the last year was a concern and criticised the SNP record on police numbers.

Pauline McNeill, justice spokesperson said: “The causes behind this alarming rise in homicides must be understood and action must be taken to ensure this upward trend doesn’t continue.

 “People across Scotland should be able to feel safe in their communities.

“Under the SNP, police officer numbers are at their lowest point for over a decade and our prisons are bursting at the seams.

“The SNP must get a grip of the mess it has made of our justice system and work to reduce murders and violent crime.”