Edinburgh recorded 56 deaths among homeless individuals in 2025, according to council data released under Freedom of Information legislation. Of these, 37 occurred while individuals were in temporary accommodation, while 19 died while not in such accommodation.
The causes of death were not disclosed in the response, though it is understood that at least some were due to natural causes. The figures come as Shelter Scotland described the loss of life as 'truly devastating', highlighting the direct link between the housing emergency and its impact on people's lives.
Gordon Llewellyn-MacRae, assistant director of Shelter Scotland, said: 'When homelessness services fail to meet their legal duties, it is the people who need our support, medical care and compassion who pay the price. This cannot be tolerated.' He called on the next Scottish Government to fund large-scale social housebuilding.
Labour councillor Tim Pogson, Edinburgh's homelessness convener, acknowledged that the number of households in temporary accommodation had risen by more than 80% over six years to 6,430, which he said helped explain the increase in deaths. He noted that the council had committed £1.6bn to housing investment, including £580m for suitable temporary accommodation, and was working with partners to support those at risk.
Data from the National Records of Scotland published in March estimated 40 homeless deaths in Edinburgh in 2024, the highest rate in Scotland. A council-commissioned survey on 4 September found 68 people sleeping rough in the city, with many congregating near places of worship. The survey, conducted by Simon Community Scotland, covered the city centre and identified 32 males, 5 females, and 31 individuals of unknown gender.
