Hate crime charges in Scotland surge to record high

The number of reported hate crime charges in Scotland has surged to a record high.

Figures for 2025-26 released by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) show 7,115 charges contained at least one element of hate crime - an increase of 17% from the year before and the highest number recorded since the stats first became available in 2003-04.

Racial hate crime remains the most commonly reported at 56%, with the 3,990 charges a 17% rise from the previous year and the highest number recorded since 2013-14.

The number of hate crimes aggravated by sexual orientation has risen by 20%, from 1,719 to 2,062.

This is the highest number of sexual orientation crime charges reported since legislation creating the aggravation came into force in 2010.

There has been a 25% rise in disability aggravated crime, from 1,099 to a record 1,370.

COPFS said the increase continues an "almost unbroken upward trend in the numbers" since the aggravation legislation came into force 16 years ago.

There were 537 charges with a religious aggravation, up 5.1% on the previous year - although the total was said to be "broadly in line with numbers over the last five years".

There were 104 charges where a person's transgender identity was an aggravating factor, a rise of 21% from the 86 reported in 2024-25.

Once again, it marks the highest number since the legislation creating the aggravation came into force in 2010.

Scotland's newly appointed Lord Advocate, Ruth Charteris KC, said: "An increase in reports of crime motivated by racial, sexual orientation and disability aggravated hatred should concern us all.

"Everyone who lives in Scotland is entitled to feel safe and every hate crime represents a decision to target a person because of who they are."

Ms Charteris said 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".

A total of 94% of hate crime charges last year resulted in some form of prosecutorial action, she said, with only 2% resulting in no action.

Ms Charteris added: "We each have a role to play in challenging the actions of those who are motivated by prejudice and hate."

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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.

"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."

(c) Sky News 2026: Hate crime charges in Scotland surge to record high