A GRIM map has revealed Scotland’s sex offenders’ capital – where nearly 90 predators live in one postcode.
There were 7,523 registered sex offenders in Scotland as of March 2025, new data shows.
A map has revealed the area with the highest number of sex offenders in Scotland[/caption]
This marks an increase of 403 offenders since August last year and a staggering 1,103 more than in 2023.
By postcode, the Motherwell ML1 area in North Lanarkshire has been revealed as Scotland’s sex offenders’ capital, with 92 predators currently residing there.
This postcode spans Motherwell, Holytown, Carfin, Cleland, Wishaw, and Bellshill, among other towns.
ML1 holds the highest concentration of sex offenders in the country.
We took to the streets of Motherwell to hear what locals had to say.
Clinical support nurse Luci Doran, 26, said: “It’s shocking for such a small place. Knowing people are raising young children here makes it a really frightening thought.
“I’ve heard of young girls being followed home by creepy men. It doesn’t feel safe.”
New mum Nikki Friel, 23, said: “I’ve got a four-month-old baby, and it’s deeply worrying to know there are so many sex offenders living in the area. I’ve always thought of Motherwell as a safe place, but it feels like things are changing for the worse.
“I want to raise my children in a secure environment, so it’s really unsettling to learn how many offenders are based here.”
Clinical support nurse Luci Doran, 26, said Motherwell “doesn’t feel safe”[/caption]
New mum Nikki Friel, 23, said it’s “unsettling” to learn that so many offenders live there[/caption]
Electroplating technician Kyle Thomson, 25, said: “It’s bad, but I’m not surprised. Motherwell’s been going downhill for years, and now to hear it’s the sex offenders’ capital of Scotland – that’s just grim.
“It makes you wonder what’s being done about it. How are there so many of them concentrated in one area? It’s not fair on the people who live here, especially families with kids.”
Lorraine McKeown, 61, from Wishaw, said: “It’s sickening. I know of a few offenders living here, and it’s terrifying to think there are so many more.
“You just don’t know who’s around the corner. It’s disgraceful that these individuals are allowed to rejoin the community. Motherwell is becoming more and more unsafe.”
Electroplating technician Kyle Thomson, 25, said it’s “grim” but he’s not surprised[/caption]
Lorraine McKeown, 61, said it’s “disgraceful”[/caption]
Next on the list is Glasgow’s G32 postcode, which is home to 64 registered sex offenders, making it the second-highest in Scotland.
In third place is PH1, which covers Perth and the surrounding areas, with 62 offenders recorded.
As of the end of February, Police Scotland has 16 wanted Registered Sex Offenders – with 12 of those thought to have fled the UK.
The data, published monthly by Police Scotland, aims to raise awareness and help prevent further offences.
Sex offenders are individuals who have committed a sexual crime.
Data from a small number of postcodes in Scotland is not included due to the population of the areas being particularly low – meaning publication would lead to individuals being identified.
A North Lanarkshire Council spokesperson said: “Sex offenders are monitored in the community under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) which involve the police service, local authorities, the NHS, Scottish Prison Service and other partners.
“None of the partners engaged in MAPPA will comment on specific cases or individuals. The management of sex offenders in the community is a particularly sensitive and complex area of work.
“Public safety is always the main priority in all cases. While it remains the main priority, a balance is required between public safety and the right of the individual.
“All aspects of cases are carefully considered at every stage of the process, from psychological and risk assessments to places of residence and potential security issues.
“A number of measures can be put in place to manage offenders in the community and these are monitored by dedicated police officers and officials from partner organisations.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Registered Sex Offenders (RSOs) are managed robustly and effectively through Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA), which provide a comprehensive response to a complex issue.
“Police Scotland, local authorities and other partners use professional assessment, robust risk assessment processes, and the latest technologies to manage RSOs, mitigate risk and properly target appropriate resources at those who pose a risk to the public.
“Those subject to Sex Offender Notification Requirements (SONR) are placed on the register for a wide spectrum of sexual offending.
“We can never eliminate risk entirely, but sexual re-offending rates of RSOs remain very low and we want to reassure communities that all reasonable and appropriate steps are being taken to protect them.”
