Scotland has recorded its highest number of hate crimes since records began in 2003-04, with 7,115 charges reported in 2025-26, a 17% increase on the previous year. The Lord Advocate, Ruth Charteris KC, has vowed to tackle prejudice, stating that prosecutors remain committed to holding offenders accountable.
Record Highs and Key Statistics
According to the annual report on Hate Crime in Scotland, released on Tuesday, race remains the most common motivation, with 3,990 charges reported. Disability-aggravated crimes rose by 25% to 1,370, while sexual orientation-aggravated crimes increased by 20% to 2,062. The Lord Advocate said: "An increase in reports of crime motivated by racial, sexual orientation and disability aggravated hatred should concern us all."
Recent Attacks Highlight Growing Concern
The figures come days after two Indian students were stabbed in an anti-Muslim knife attack in Edinburgh. The victims, both 22, were attacked at Sighthill Park after leaving evening prayers on June 19. One victim said: "Coming to Scotland is the worst decision I have ever made." Lewis Hawkes, 36, has been charged with five counts of attempted murder with a terrorist connection.
In another incident, Evelyn Leitizia, 41, from Indonesia, was verbally assaulted by a masked gang at Glasgow Queen Street station in September. She said: "It's worrying that hate crime is increasing. I hope that we can come together rather than thinking about differences."
Prosecutorial Action and Community Reassurance
The Lord Advocate emphasised that 94% of hate crime charges resulted in prosecutorial action, with only 2% leading to no action. She said: "Everyone who lives in Scotland is entitled to feel safe... I want to reach out to communities across Scotland and say that prosecutors are here to ensure that every report of a crime motivated by hate will be carefully considered."
Other Incidents
In October, a Glasgow bus driver was allegedly racially abused by youths who called him "Chinese Yoda" and spat on passengers. A 15-year-old boy has been charged. The rise in hate crimes has prompted calls for greater vigilance and reporting.
