More than 50 people experiencing homelessness died in Edinburgh last year, new figures show.
A total of 56 deaths were recorded in the city during 2025, according to City of Edinburgh Council data obtained through a Freedom of Information request.
Of those, 37 people were living in temporary accommodation at the time of their death, while 19 had previously exited such housing.
Separate figures from National Records of Scotland estimate that 40 homeless people died in Edinburgh in 2024, the highest number recorded in any local authority area in Scotland that year.
A council-commissioned survey also identified 68 people sleeping rough in the city on the night of 4 September 2025.
Conducted by Simon Community Scotland, the survey focused on the city centre and found individuals were often located near places of worship, which were perceived as safer.
Gordon Llewellyn-MacRae, assistant director of Shelter Scotland, said: “The number of people dying while experiencing homelessness is truly devastating.
“It shows the direct relationship between the housing emergency and the impact on people’s lives.
“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.”
Read more
Tim Pogson, Labour councillor and homelessness convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Over the past six years, the number of households in temporary accommodation has risen by more than 80% to 6,430 households.
“This increase helps explain why the city’s homeless death rate has also, regrettably, increased.
“With more homeless households than elsewhere in Scotland, it is reflected in a higher number of deaths in Edinburgh.”
He said the cause of death in many cases was unknown due to patient confidentiality, but added that the council was working with partner agencies to support those at risk, particularly individuals with additional health needs.
Mr Pogson added that the council has committed £1.6 billion to housing investment, including £580 million for temporary accommodation, and continues to lobby the Scottish Government for additional support.
Share