SCOTLAND’S murder rate has returned to its lowest level since 1976.

Official figures put the number of homicides last year at 59, down three on the previous year, with only one case still unsolved.

Three-quarters of the victims were male, as were 95% of those accused of murder.

Of the 81 people accused, a third were under the influence of alcohol, drugs or both.

A fifth of all murders last year occured in Glasgow, and more than half involved stabbing.

Two-thirds took place in a “residential location”, and just a fifth in outdoor public places.

It was the lowest number in a 12-month period since records began more than 40 years ago.

It was also the same as in 2015/16, when the population was slightly smaller.

SNP Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf welcomed the news but said one death was too many.

The annual Homicides in Scotland report said the number of murders fell by 39% in the decade between 2008/09 to 2017/18, from 97 to 59, with 34% of the fall in Glasgow.

In each of the last ten years, the most common means of killing was with a “sharp instrument” (58% last year), followed by hitting and kicking (14%).

The prime age for men to be murder victims is between 21 and 30.

Mr Yousaf said: “While the number of homicides in Scotland has fallen this year and has reduced significantly over the last 10 years, one death is one too many.

“Behind these figures are grieving families and friends and my sincere sympathies go out to all those who have lost a loved one.

“We recognise the enormous trauma experienced by families bereaved by murder and culpable homicide.

“That is why we are currently funding Victim Support Scotland to develop and deliver a bespoke service for these families, ensuring dedicated and continuous support.

“We are determined to help people break free from cycles of violence. We will continue our efforts to drive down violent crime in our communities, both through education and enforcement, supporting prevention work with people of all ages and ensuring our law enforcement agencies and courts have the resources to deal with those who harm others.”