Tag: Scotland

Scotland is the most dangerous nation in the UK for accidental death

SCOTLAND HAS THE HIGHEST RATE OF ACCIDENTAL DEATHS IN UK 

  • 51 people per 100,000 died in accidents in Scotland, compared to an average of 34 across the whole UK in 2023/24 
  • People in Scotland 62% more likely to die in an accident than people in England 
  • Falls are the biggest cause of accidental death in Scotland 
  • People are almost three times as likely to die of accidental poisoning in Scotland than in England 
  • Fatal accidents in the UK have risen by a rate of 8% in one year and accidents now kill over 23,000 people annually – more than the capacity of the 02 Arena 
  • Almost 900,000 people – the equivalent of the entire population of Devon – are admitted to hospital due to accidents every year 
  • Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) calls on the Government to implement a National Accidents Prevention Strategy to tackle this public health emergency 

Scotland has the highest rate of accidental deaths in the UK, reveals a new report from safety charity the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

Accidents killed 51 per 100,000 people in Scotland in 2023/24, compared to a UK-wide average of 34. This makes Scotland the most dangerous UK nation for accidental deaths, ahead of Wales (44 deaths per 100,000 people), Northern Ireland (39) and England (32), and means people in Scotland are 62% more likely to die in an accident than people in England. 

There were also stark differences within Scotland itself, with those in the more deprived 50% of the population almost 28% more likely to be admitted to hospital than those in the less deprived 50%. 

Deaths from accidents are rising across the UK, and hospital admissions due to accidents are putting immense pressure on the NHS. RoSPA found that an estimated 23,000 people – more than the capacity of the 02 Arena – lose their lives to accidents every year, while almost 900,000 people were admitted to hospital, the equivalent of the population of Devon passing through the NHS. 

There was an 8% increase in the rate of all accidental deaths across the UK in 2023/24, with falls being the biggest killer across all nations. However, deaths from accidental poisoning (including drugs and alcohol) are particularly high in Scotland, with 21 people per 100,000 dying of this cause in 2023 – compared to 11 in Wales, 9 in Northern Ireland and 8 in England – meaning people in Scotland are almost three timesas likely to be killed in an accidental poisoning than in England. 

Hospital admissions also rose by a rate of 3% over one year in Great Britain, including a 17% rate of increase in admissions caused by animals and 6% by poisonings. 

Accidents have a tragic impact, not just on individuals, families and communities, but society as a whole. Immediate treatment costs to the NHS run to £6 billion annually, not including follow-up rehabilitation and other costs, and accidents account for a minimum of 5.2 million bed days, reducing capacity and driving up waiting lists across the health service. Meanwhile, the UK economy loses another £6 billion a year in output due to lost working days. 

In 2024, RoSPA urged the Government to implement a National Accident Prevention Strategy to tackle accidents as a serious public health crisis. The charity also recently launched Towards a Safer Scotland, a manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary Election, which sets out key priorities for accident prevention across Scotland. 

RoSPA’s Annual Review of Accidents now shows that, without dedicated action, the crisis in accidental deaths is getting even worse. These shocking figures only strengthen the case for a coordinated, cross-sector government response, in order to reduce the suffering caused by preventable deaths and injuries, lessen the burden on the NHS and economy, and make society safer for everyone. 

Becky Hickman, CEO of RoSPA, said: “Accidents devastate lives in an instant. They are often sudden, violent, and shocking, leaving families and communities to cope with consequences that can last a lifetime. What makes this devastation even harder to bear is the knowledge that so many of these incidents are entirely preventable. 

“Our Annual Review of Accidents shows we are still not doing enough to reduce avoidable harm, life-changing injuries and personal tragedies.

“From our roads to our workplaces, the homes we live in to where we spend our leisure time, people in Britain are at increasing and unacceptable risk of suffering a serious accident. And it is those who are already vulnerable – young children, the elderly, and people in deprived communities – who are in the greatest danger.    

“By keeping a close eye on trends, learning from patterns of injury, and acting on the evidence, we can help ensure that individuals, communities, and the wider society are better protected from the consequences of accidental injury.” 

RoSPA’s Annual Review of Accidents is endorsed by Chris Boardman CBE, Olympic Gold Medal-winning cyclist and Commissioner at Active Travel England: “Serious injuries and deaths on our roads are often treated as an unfortunate but inevitable part of everyday life. They are not. In most cases, they are predictable and preventable. 

“If we want more people to choose to walk, wheel or cycle, our streets must look and feel safe. Active Travel England is working with councils across the country to design safety into our streets, creating high-quality, joined-up networks that give people, especially children, real access to affordable, green and healthy transport.” 

Dr Sally-Anne Wilson, Vice President, Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), said: “Emergency Departments see first-hand the rising impact of accidental injuries, particularly among older people.

“The patients I worry about most are those who fall from standing height, often in their own homes, and arrive in the ED with serious injuries such as hip or rib fractures. These seemingly simple accidents can have devastating consequences. 

“We know that older people are disproportionately affected by crowding in Emergency Departments, and that delays transferring them to inpatient wards are linked with longer hospital stays and increased mortality.  

“Prevention must be a priority. Anything we can do to reduce the number and severity of avoidable injuries will make a meaningful difference to patient outcomes and help relieve pressure on a stretched emergency care system.

“RCEM strongly supports RoSPA’s focus on this vital area of public health.” 

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World Cup Public Holiday

Celebrating Scotland’s first game since 1998

First Minister John Swinney will propose Monday 15 June 2026 is designated a national bank holiday to mark Scotland’s participation in the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

This will allow individuals, businesses and other organisations in Scotland to celebrate after the men’s team play their opening game against Haiti in Boston.

The First Minister said: “Scotland qualifying for the men’s World Cup was a remarkable achievement and a landmark moment, and the reaction to the dramatic win against Denmark reminded us all what football means to the country.

“This year, we want to make the most of this huge opportunity for Scotland and ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to celebrate the team’s success.

“Not only is this an historic sporting event, it’s also a chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, create tourism interest within the country and to make cultural and sporting connections.

“That is why I am taking steps to ensure the Monday after our opening game should be national bank holiday, so that – no matter the outcome of the match – we can all come together to share the occasion.”

Scotland Star Takes Aim at the Stigma Around Kids Wearing Goggles in Football

Aston Villa and Scotland star John McGinn is calling for greater awareness and acceptance of children who wear glasses or protective goggles whilst playing football – inspired by his young nephew, Jack. 

McGinn’s now-famous ‘goggles celebration’ began as a personal gesture of support for Jack, who was found to have poor eyesight at the age of four and needs to wear glasses daily, and goggles to play football. 

‘Jack is my first-born nephew, and he was really upset when he had his eyes tested at first,’ McGinn explains. 

‘He didn’t want to be different from the others,’ says John. ‘As a wee bit of support, I said I’d do the goggles celebration. I didn’t manage to score at the Euros, so the first time I did it was a few months later for Aston Villa. He was absolutely over the moon.’ 

What started as a small gesture quickly turned into something much bigger – a movement helping children around the world feel confident wearing their glasses or goggles with pride. 

John – who has just renegotiated his contract with Aston Villa until 2028 – believes playing in the English Premier League has given the celebration a global platform, raising awareness that eyesight challenges shouldn’t prevent children from enjoying sport. 

‘My celebration gave Jack so much confidence to wear the goggles,” John explains. “He now plays for a little club called Glenvale and all his teammates know Jack is the reason why I do the celebration. 

‘It makes him more comfortable to wear them – and for all children with eyesight issues, you shouldn’t be made to feel different.’ 

McGinn says he has been overwhelmed by the global response from parents and young players, receiving messages from across the world thanking him for raising awareness. 

‘I think it’s amazing, I love being able to be a positive role model. Having an impact on so many kids around the world is a huge reason and motivation to do it. For me, it’s a huge part of my game now and something I’ll keep doing for the rest of my career,’ John adds. 

Super John McGinn also highlighted the importance of safety when it comes to protective eyewear in sport. 

‘The risk of a ball hitting a child wearing glasses is huge. Goggles protect their eyes, and with the technology available now, there’s no reason any child should feel uncomfortable wearing them. It’s about safety, comfort, and enjoyment,’ McGinn explains. 

The 31-year-old hopes he can encourage parents to have their children’s eyesight checked regularly – and that more players will help normalise goggles on the pitch. 

He explains that good eyesight is essential in football – being able to see a defender in your peripheral vision or spot a teammate making a run can be the difference in a game. 

‘It’s great to see players like Andrew Tod in the Scottish Championship wearing goggles and doing their own celebration. There should be more positive messages around glasses and goggles,’ says McGinn. 

Jenny Stephenson, chairperson for Specsavers Scotland, says: ‘John’s story is an inspiration to children across the world, and the very reason Specsavers works so closely with the Scottish FA – it underpins everything we do as opticians.’ 

Specsavers is supporting young athletes by offering a discount on prescription sports goggles for club players under the age of 18. The initiative aims to promote safety and confidence by offering 10 percent off goggles. 

Jenny continues: ‘The new sports goggles campaign is about more than vision – it’s about confidence and inclusion. We want young players and their parents to see sports goggles as a normal, affordable and essential part of the game, so no child ever feels held back from playing the sport they love. 

‘Parents can be reassured by Specsavers’ care and expertise, while players can focus on performance – knowing their eyewear is safe, durable and designed for the demands of football.’ 

John concludes: ‘I would encourage everyone to make sure they’re getting their eyes tested as frequently as possible. The earlier you find out about any issues the better.  

‘Hopefully one day Jack’s out there playing at Hampden for Scotland wearing the goggles – that would be the McGinn legacy.’ 

SNP Government is supporting students, says local MSP

As pupils across the city await their exam results, Gordon Macdonald MSP has highlighted the support offered by the SNP which ‘allows all those seeking further education opportunities to seize them.’

From August 1st, tuition fees in England and Wales have risen to £9,535, with the average debt for students graduating now an eye-watering £53,000.

In Scotland, the SNP made university tuition free for all Scottish students, with tailored support for care experienced students worth up to £11,400.

In addition, there is more than £100 million funding to support Modern and Foundation Apprenticeships with around 400,000 apprenticeship opportunities provided to young people across the country since 2008.

Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “In Labour-run England and Wales, tuition fees and student debt are mounting. 

“But here in Edinburgh students can attend university for free, with extra support for those who need it as well as funding for alternative pathways. 

“We are making more opportunities available to young people while the Labour Party lumps costs on the next generation.

“That’s the difference made with the SNP in government.”

Spending Review: £ Billions to back Scottish jobs

UK Government’s Plan for Change delivers record settlement for Scottish Government with an extra £9.1 billion over the SR period to deliver public services

Working people across Scotland will benefit from significant investment in clean energy and innovation, creating thousands of high-skilled jobs and strengthening Scotland’s position as the home of the United Kingdom’s clean energy revolution.  

The UK Government has confirmed £8.3 billion in funding for GB Energy-Nuclear and GB Energy in Aberdeen. This is alongside an increased commitment to the Acorn Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage project, which will receive development funding.

The Spending Review, outlined yesterday, Wednesday 11 June, announces targeted investment in Scotland’s most promising sectors to grow the economy and put more money in working people’s pockets.  It delivers an extra £9.1 billion over Phase 2 of the Spending Review, through the Barnett formula.

The government also confirmed £25 million for the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Freeport.   

These investments are part of a wider package, with funding for hydrogen production projects at Cromarty and Whitelee.

Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, said:  “Putting more money in the pockets of working Scots by investing in the country’s renewal is at the heart of this Spending Review and our Plan for Change.

“The Chancellor has unleashed a new era of growth for Scotland, confirming billions of pounds of investment in clean energy – including new development funding for Acorn – creating thousands of high-skilled jobs.

“Scotland’s leading role at the heart of UK defence policy has been strengthened and there is also significant investment in our trailblazing innovation, research and development sectors.

“And the Scotland Office will work with local partners to ensure hundreds of millions of pounds of new targeted support for Scottish communities and businesses goes to projects that matter to local people. This means that the UK Government is now investing almost £1.7 billion in dozens of important growth schemes across Scotland over 10 years.

“To maximise the benefit of recent trade deals with India, US and the EU we are continuing the Brand Scotland programme to promote inward investment opportunities boosting Scottish exports of our globally celebrated products.

“And we are delivering a record real-terms funding settlement for the Scottish Government with an extra £9.1 billion over the Spending Review period through the Barnett formula. That’s more money than ever before for them to invest in Scottish public services like our NHS, police, housing and schools.

“This is a historic Spending Review for Scotland that chooses investment over decline and delivers on the promise that there would be no return to austerity.”

Investment in Scotland to strengthen UK defence  

Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, the Chancellor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027, backing our Armed Forces, creating British jobs in British industries, and prioritising the security of Britain when it is most needed.  

The long-term future of the Clyde is secured through an initial £250 million investment over three years which will begin a multi-decade, multi-billion pound redevelopment of HM Naval Base Clyde through the ‘Clyde 2070’ programme.   

Investing in innovation and R&D  

Scotland will also become home to the UK’s largest and most powerful supercomputer, with up to £750 million committed to its development at Edinburgh University. This world-class facility will give scientists across all UK universities access to extraordinary computer power, further strengthening Scotland’s research and innovation capability.   

The UK Government is backing Scottish industry with a share of increased UK-wide R&D spending set to grow from £20.4 billion in 2025-26 to over £22.6 billion per year by 2029-30. Scotland will also benefit from a £410 million UK-wide Local Innovation Partnerships Fund.  

Targeted support for Scottish communities   

The government is also investing £160 million over 10 years for Investment Zones in the North East of Scotland and in Glasgow City Region, and confirming £452 million over four years for City and Growth Deals across Scotland.  

A £100 million joint investment for the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth deal with the Scottish Government (£50 million from UK Government and £50 million from Scottish Government), demonstrating the UK Government’s continued commitment to the Grangemouth industrial area.  

A new local growth fund, and investments in up to 350 deprived communities across the UK, will maintain the same cash level as in 2025-26 under the Shared Prosperity Fund. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Scotland Office, will work with local partners and the Scottish Government, to ensure money goes to projects that matter to local people. This investment will help drive growth and improve communities across Scotland.  

Supporting Scottish businesses  

The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is trialling a Strategic Partnership with Glasgow City Region to provide enhanced, hands-on support to help it develop and finance long term investment opportunities. The NWF has already made its first investment in Scotland with £43.5 million in direct equity for a sustainable packaging company, which is to build its first commercial-scale manufacturing facility near Glasgow.  

Through its Nations and Regions Investment programme the British Business Bank is delivering £150 million across Scotland to break down access to finance barriers and drive economic growth.  

The settlement also allocates £0.75 million each year to champion our ‘Brand Scotland’ trade missions to promote Scotland’s goods and services on the world stage and to encourage further growth and investment.

A record settlement for Scottish public services   

The Government has been clear that local decision-making against local priorities is central to delivering growth.   

The Scottish Government will receive the largest real terms settlement since devolution began in 1998, with an average £50.9 billion per year between 2026-27 and 2028-29, enabling the Scottish Government to deliver for working people in Scotland.  This includes £2.9 billion per year on average through the operation of the Barnett formula, with £2.4 billion resource between 2026-27 and 2028-29 and £510 million capital between 2026-27 and 2029-30. 

This investment and record settlement is made possible by the ‘tough but necessary’ decisions taken in the October Budget.

Edinburgh North and Leith Labour MP Tracy Gilbert has welcomed the statement. She said: “The Comprehensive Spending Review is good for Scotland’s economy and public Services.

“After several meetings with the Secretary of States for Science, Innovation and Technology and Scotland I’m so pleased to see the announcement of funding for the new Supercomputer to be based at EdinburghUniversity.

“This major investment in Edinburgh positions us at the forefront of computing, and technological innovation, not just in the UK, but globally.”

Not unsurprisingly, the Holyrood SNP Government has a number of issues with the likely impact of the Spending Review on Scotland. Post to follow …

Prime Minister hails trade deal successes for Scotland

From the Highlands to the Borders, Scottish people are set to benefit from the UK’s landmark trade deals with India, US and EU announced in recent weeks, says UK Government

  • Prime Minister visits historic distillery in Glasgow to discuss trade deal benefits for the Scotch Whisky industry 
  • Follows UK hat trick of trade deals with India, US and EU – improving people’s lives across the country 
  • Deals will help drive growth in Scotland and put more money in the pockets of the hardworking Scottish people

From the Highlands to the Borders, Scottish people are set to benefit from the UK’s landmark trade deals with India, US and EU announced in recent weeks, says the Westminster government. 

The Prime Minister discussed the huge growth opportunities and benefits for Scotland during a visit Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow today. 

Visit comes after Prime Minister visited BAE Govan this morning to announce the Strategic Defence Review, which will see significant investment in Scotland . More than £2 billion a year is already spent by the Ministry of Defence with industry organisations of all sizes in Scotland, supporting over 25,000 skilled jobs in Scotland. 

The world-renowned Scotch Whisky industry is set to boom globally – with the Scotch Whisky Association announcing they forecast £1 billion of extra exports in five years, plus 1,200 new jobs thanks to the tariff reductions as part of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement. 

India is an important market for Scotland, with 457 Scottish businesses exporting a total of £610 million in goods there last year. 

Under the India trade deal, tariffs have been cut on a range of iconic Scottish goods, from whisky tariffs halved from 150% to 75% and dropping to 40% after 10 years to salmon reduced from 33% to 0%. Iconic Scottish brands like Irn Bru and Scottish shortbread will also see reduced tariffs. 

Scotland’s thriving life sciences and health tech hubs will be strengthened by IP commitments on areas such as trade secrets and copyright, helping companies export to India with confidence.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Our trade deals with India, US and the EU will slash tariffs on key industries and open markets set to help drive growth in Scotland and put money in the pockets of the hardworking Scottish people, delivering on our Plan for Change. 

“Scotland is home to some of the most world-renowned products, which can now be enjoyed across the globe – all whilst saving Scottish businesses money.  

“That is why we have secured these deals, and why we will continue to go further and faster to improve the lives of everyone in the UK.”

Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said: “Our trio of trade deals shows we are championing Scottish products and businesses on the global stage.

“From our world-renowned whisky distilleries to our cutting-edge green energy sector, Scotland has so much to offer international markets. But more importantly as part of our Plan for Change this means more money in people’s pockets.

“By securing better access to the European Union, United States and India, we’re creating real opportunities for Scottish businesses to grow, supporting jobs in communities from the Highlands to the Borders.”

Mark Kent, Chief Executive Officer of the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “As the UK’s largest food and drink export to 180 markets worldwide, Scotch Whisky producers welcome the work being done to reduce trade barriers around the world.

“The landmark UK-India free trade agreement will be transformational for the Scotch Whisky industry over the longer term and has the potential to increase exports to India by £1bn over the next 5 years and creating 1,200 jobs across the UK.

“It’s also constructive to see a potential reduction in the burden on exporters through the UK agreement with the EU.

“We continue to support the UK government’s efforts to address the issue of tariffs with the US and establish a pathway to return to the zero-for-zero tariff arrangement we have had with the US on spirits for more than 30 years.”

The new agreement with the European Union, the UK’s largest trading market, will directly address challenges faced by Scottish exporters since 2019.

The Scottish salmon industry has estimated that between 2019 and 2023, Scottish Salmon export values experienced a net loss of around £75 million. The deal with the EU makes it significantly easier to sell Scottish goods to European markets.

First Minister urges Prime Minister to drop EU red lines

Scotland’s interests ‘cannot be an afterthought in negotiations’

First Minister John Swinney has urged the UK Government to reflect Scotland’s interests by dropping its EU red lines on the single market, customs union and freedom of movement.

Ahead of tomorrow’s summit between the UK and EU, the First Minister has reiterated his calls for the closest possible co-operation with Europe and said the best future for Scotland is as an independent nation within the European Union.

The Scottish Government has previously called for the UK Government to negotiate with the EU on a number of key areas including removing barriers to food and drink exports, closer energy and climate co-operation, a youth mobility agreement, and rejoining the Erasmus+ and Creative Europe programmes.

The First Minister said: “Scotland’s best future lies as an independent country within the European Union. More than ever, the current uncertain economic and geopolitical environment reinforces the importance of Scotland having the security, stability and opportunity that comes with EU membership. 

“Right now, the Prime Minister must negotiate the closest possible working relationship with the EU, in the interests of people and businesses across Scotland. To do that he must drop his ideological red lines on the single market, customs union and freedom of movement.

“This would remove significant trade barriers and red tape for Scottish businesses and give a much-needed boost to the Scottish economy which is still being badly impacted by Brexit.

“If the UK Government wants to get serious about economic growth, it should recognise that the EU is one of our most important economic and security partners. At the very least we need to see a reduction in red tape for our food and drink exports, closer co-operation on energy and climate issues and greater freedom of movement for our young people. These areas and others can bring benefits both for us and our European partners.

“The Scottish Government stands ready to work with the UK and the EU towards stability and progress but the UK Government must reflect the interests of Scotland in the upcoming talks. Given the appalling economic, social and cultural damage of Brexit, Scotland cannot be treated as an afterthought by the UK Government in these discussions.”

The Scottish Government has published papers on some of our key priorities for closer cooperation:

The Scottish Government has also published a number of reports on the impact of Brexit on Scotland and Scotland’s economy, including:

In 2023, the Scottish Government published a paper setting out the Scottish Government’s vision for an independent Scotland in the EU:

Building a New Scotland: an independent Scotland in the EU – gov.scot

BBC secures live television rights for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland men’s international football matches

The BBC has announced it’s agreed an exclusive deal to broadcast Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland men’s international football matches in the run-up to the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.

Rhodri Talfan Davies, Director of BBC Nations, says: “I’m absolutely delighted that fans across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will now be able to enjoy live, free-to-air coverage of all the big international football matches.

“Nothing fires the imagination more than live international sport and the race to qualify for the world’s biggest tournament. It’s going to be quite a ride and I’m thrilled the BBC will be there every step of the way.”

The deal, agreed with UEFA, includes 41 live matches over the next fifteen months – starting with this month’s international ties. It’s the first time the BBC has secured live television rights for all three of the UK’s devolved nations.

The matches will be shown on BBC One in each nation and BBC iPlayer – with key fixtures also being broadcast on network television across the UK – and will add to existing live international coverage on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Cymru and the BBC Sport app.

In Wales, live match coverage will be available in both English and Welsh.

Scotland has highest rate of accidental death in the UK, warns new report 

  • People are more likely to die due to an accident in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK – the rate of accidental death is up 57% over the last decade
  • Fatalities on Scottish roads are 46% higher than the UK 
  • Accidents cost the UK £12 billion every year – £6 billion in NHS medical care and £5.9 billion in lost working days
  • The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has launched ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’, which reveals new data into rising accident numbers and calls on the Government to implement a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS 

Scotland is home to the highest rate of accidental death in the UK – currently 56% higher than the UK’s overall rate of accidental death and 67% higher than the rate in England, meaning people are far more likely to die in an accident in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK according to a new report* launched by RoSPA, ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’.

As well as the tragic human loss, preventable accidents cost the UK a massive £12 billion every year due to lost working days and medical care. RoSPA is calling on the Government to implement a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS. 

RoSPA’s new report reveals that the rate of accidental death in Scotland has risen by 57% in the last decade and accidents now take over 2,500 lives each year.

This increase in the number of accidental deaths in Scotland can be seen across almost every type of accident.

Despite positive steps such as the successes of Water Safety Scotland and the Scottish Occupational Road Safety Alliance, the recent abolition of Home Safety Scotland shows that the Government is still not taking a sufficiently robust approach to the nation’s alarming rise in accident rates. 

 Number of accidental deaths in 2022 % rise in accidental death rates, 2013 to 2022 Rate of accidental deaths per 100,000 people 
UK-wide 21,336 Shape42% increase 32 deaths 
England 16,765 Shape40% increase 29 deaths 
Scotland 2,677 Shape57% increase 49 deaths 
Wales 1,206 Shape41% increase 39 deaths 
Northern Ireland 688 Shape56% increase 36 deaths 

Highest likelihood of fatality on Scottish roads 

People are almost twice as likely (46%) to have a fatal transport-related accident in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK. This substantially higher fatality rate in Scotland exists across car users, pedestrians and motorcyclists – with people in cars 166% more likely to be killed in an accident driving in Scotland than they are elsewhere in the UK. Pedestrians are 96% more likely to be killed in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK and motorcyclists are 51% more likely to be killed in an accident on Scottish roads than in the rest of the country.  

Other types of accidental deaths highest in Scotland 

Tragically, Scotland isn’t just home to the highest rates of fatal road accidents – its non-transport fatal accident rate is also more than twice (57%) as high as the rest of the UK. Death from accidental poisoning is 139% higher in Scotland than the rest of the UK. There has been a sharp spike in drug-related deaths in Scotland since the early 2010s, which has one of the highest rates of drug deaths in the developed world, although this has begun to fall in recent years.  

Death from accidental drowning is 59% higher in Scotland than the rest of the UK. This is partly due to ease of access to inland water, which creates more opportunities for drowning but is also compounded by lower water temperatures, making the risk of cold-water shock higher.  

Death from exposure to smoke, fire or flames is 42% higher than the rest of the UK. This rate reflects the higher rate of dwelling fires in Scotland, which has been falling for several years but remains much higher than England and Wales.

Death from accidental fall accounts for 42% of all accidental deaths in Scotland, so the fact that they are almost twice (45%) as likely in Scotland than the rest of the UK is significant. The reasons for this aren’t recorded, but it could be due to rugged terrain and wetter conditions, and potentially higher proportions of people living in flats or apartments.  

Cause of accidental death Rate in Scotland compared to the UK as a whole Rate in Wales compared to the UK as a whole Rate in Northern Ireland compared to the UK as a whole 
All types of accidental deaths 56% higher 22% higher 14% higher 
Transport-related 46% higher 18% higher 34% higher 
Transport accident – car occupants  166% higher 5% higher 88% higher 
Transport accident – pedestrians 96% higher 35% lower 142% higher 
Transport accident – motorcyclists 51% higher 78% higher 20% higher 
Non-transport related 57% higher 22% higher 13% higher 
Poisoning 139% higher 6% higher 10% lower 
Drowning 59% higher 10% lower 71% higher 
Exposure to smoke, fire or flames 42% higher 34% higher 18% higher 
Falls 45% higher 24% higher 37% higher 

Falls are the most common cause of accidental death in Scotland 

RoSPA’s data reveals that like the UK as a whole, falls are the most common cause of accidental death in Scotland (42%), followed by poisonings (40%). 

Most common cause of accidental death in 2022 (UK wide) Most common cause of accidental death in 2022 (Scotland) 
1.Falls – 46% Falls – 42% 
2.Poisonings – 26% Poisonings – 40% 
3.Other – 13% Road traffic / transport – 7% 
4.Road traffic / transport – 7% Other – 5% 
5.Threats to breathing e.g. choking and suffocating – 3% Threats to breathing e.g. choking and suffocating – 2% 
6. Drowning – 1% Drowning – 1% 

Accidents cost the UK almost £12 billion every year 

As well as personal pain and injury, accidents put a huge strain on the NHS, costing at least £6 billion annually in NHS medical care – not including ambulance callouts, surgery or long-term treatment.  

Across the UK accidents led to around 5.2 million bed days, costing the NHS an estimated £5.4 billion last year. In addition, accidents resulted in around 7 million Accident & Emergency (A&E) visits across the UK last year, costing a further £613 million, bringing the total cost of accidents to the NHS to at least £6 billion annually. 

Accident-related injuries are also a drain on the economy and prevent people from working. The combined cost to UK businesses is £5.9 billion, due to lost output and indirect management costs. 

Ten times more working days lost due to accidents than strikes 

Across the UK in 2022/23 7.7 million working days were lost by those who were unable to work after an accident as they’d been admitted to hospital, or by their carers who took time off work to be with them. A further 21 million working days were lost by those who had to attend A&E after an accident.  In total in 2022/23 accidents led to almost 29 million lost working days across the UK – 10 times more than were lost due to strikes (2.7 million lost working days) in the same year. 

RoSPA is calling for the Government to create a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS.

Read RoSPA’s full report, ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’. 

Steve Cole, Policy, Campaigns and Public Affairs Director at RoSPA, said: “Scotland is facing an accident crisis. It has the worst rates of accidental death than anywhere else in the UK.

“Scots are substantially more likely to suffer a serious accident today than they were 20 years ago. We must take action now to stop further preventable deaths and serious injuries – accidents are avoidable and do not need to happen.

“Even those who have never been involved in an accident are still suffering, as increasing numbers of accidents are choking the UK economy and engulfing the NHS – taking up bed space, money, time and resources that could be directed to other serious illnesses.  

“Our new report revealing the growing numbers and types of fatal and life-changing accidents across the UK unveils a new public health scandal. By implementing a National Accident Prevention Strategy to sit across government departments problems can be tackled at their core, with a joined-up approach to cover all types of accidents – whether they happen at home, on the road, at work or in public.

“For too long we have accepted the economic and social consequences of accidents, and we’re still paying the price. We are calling for a National Accident Prevention Strategy to make Scotland a safer place to live.” 

Dan Evans, Chief Executive at Speedy Hire, said: “We take health and safety extremely seriously, and it is a source of immense pride that we have been recognised for our excellence in keeping colleagues and customers safe.

“For us, colleague safety doesn’t begin and end at the workplace door, which is why at Speedy Hire we take a ‘whole person, whole life’ approach. This has never been more important to do so, as RoSPA’s report reveals people are far more likely to suffer a serious accident at home than they are at work.

“Both the cost of accidents to peoples’ personal lives and to businesses is far too high, so we must act now to keep people safe and support economic growth.” 

Dr. James Broun, Research Manager at RoSPA and author of ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’, said: “Our major review of all accident data uncovers the full scale and true cost of accidents for the very first time. This data is unique; it looks at all types of accidents across the UK, as well as individually across all four nations.   

“Accidents aren’t currently monitored or recorded to the same extent as other health issues, but the findings are alarming. Accident rates across the UK, as well as within England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – are rising steeply.  We’ve brought together this data to reveal the reality of this crisis and to impress upon the Government that action must be taken to reverse rising accident figures.” 

RoSPA are calling for the Government to seize the initiative and create a National Accident Prevention Strategy – a first for the UK. And, because it’s impossible to arrest a crisis like this without a plan, RoSPA propose that the National Accident Prevention Strategy is the specific responsibility of an individual minister without a portfolio. This would enable the minister to treat accident prevention holistically, with the authority to attend the Cabinet and the ability to convene cross-departmental committees. 

The National Accident Prevention Strategy must: 

  • Take a joined-up approach which cuts across departments and provides strategic leadership to guide policy making at national level 
  • Empower individual departments or agencies to craft and implement more detailed policies 
  • Propose ambitious and evidence-led but realistic policy interventions to reduce accident rates 
  • Cover the core sectors directly affecting the UK economy: home, work, product, leisure and transport 
  • Be forward-facing to address emerging challenges, like the climate crisis, the rise of AI and the UK’s ageing population 
  • Address inequalities like deprivation, age, ethnicity and region 
  • Take a four-nations approach to data sharing and collaboration 
  • Strengthen Government’s data collection and publishing processes relating to accidents 

Scotland’s Swiss goal hero Scott McTominay surprises Pupils with contact lens lesson

SCOTLAND star Scott McTominay paid a surprise visit to a Glasgow primary school prior to starring in the Tartan Army’s Euro 2024 adventure to send an important message about contact lenses. 

The Manchester United midfielder, who is currently in action for his country in Germany and scored in Scotland’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland, visited Riverbank Primary School in Glasgow’s East End to spread awareness about the benefits and safe use of contact lenses. 

A contact lens user himself, Scott enjoyed the special day, arranged by Specsavers as a part of their sponsorship of the Scotland National Team, joining in with fun sports day activities, including races and a football egg and spoon race, to show how lenses helped him on his journey to become a professional footballer. 

Discussing his own need for contacts, Scott says: ‘I wore glasses at school but didn’t wear them as much as I should. Then at 15, I switched to contact lenses, and it truly transformed my life—especially on the pitch. 

‘If I did try to play sports in them I did sometimes find it a little bit difficult. That’s why the contact lenses have made a huge difference – as soon as I got used to putting them in it did genuinely change my life. 

‘I had a great day with the kids, sharing my experiences. It’s important for me to do what I can to help younger generations.’ 

Scott’s need for contacts is well documented – during a recent Champions League match, McTominay faced an unusual challenge. After an accidental collision with Neymar, he lost a lens, leaving him partially sighted. Needing a clean face and hands to safely put in a fresh contact lens, Scott had to see out the first half using just one eye.  

Speaking about the experience, he adds: ‘I panicked a bit and I didn’t know what to do. To change them, you need clean hands and a clean face, so I rushed in during half-time to wash.

“It’s probably the craziest experience I’ve had on a football field. We’ll have to review the footage to see if there were any wayward passes! 

‘Genuinely, having contact lenses is my superpower because if I didn’t have them, and playing at the elite standard of football that I play in, I wouldn’t be able to play. 

‘Glasses are amazing and I love winding down in the evening in them, but the contact lenses are a game changer. They open so many doors in my life and I wouldn’t be in this position today if I didn’t have them. 

‘Your eyesight should never hold you back from doing anything that you love.’ 

Delighted to have Scott visit the school, head teacher Tommy Hynes says: ‘Having such an inspirational figure and leader as Scott visit the school was a special moment for the pupils. 

‘It was heartening to hear his tales of overcoming his eyesight to become a professional footballer and he was fantastic with the children on the day as we conducted a mini sports day. 

‘We wish Scott and the rest of the Scotland team all the very best at the Euros.’ 

For more information about Specsavers’ contact lenses and to book a free contact lens trial visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/offers/try-contact-lenses-free