Chamber and committees

National Records of Scotland (NRS) have today published the first results from Scotland’s Census 2022.

For more than 200 years Scotland has relied on the valuable data the census provides and it remains the best way to gather vital information about Scotland’s people that data users in the public, private and third sectors need.

Today’s publication represents an historic moment for Scotland with the largest population ever recorded by Scotland’s Census of 5.4 million. An increase of 2.7 % since the previous census in 2011.

Crucially, today’s publication also confirms that the growth in Scotland’s population has been driven by migration, with fewer births than deaths registered in Scotland since 2011. As outlined by the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice in last week’s Programme for Government, the Scottish Government remains committed to responding to the challenge of depopulation through the publication of an ‘Addressing Depopulation Action Plan’, which will consider how we and partners respond to the wide range of drivers impacting population decline within some of Scotland’s communities.

We will also be introducing our 'Talent Attraction and Migration Service', providing immigration information and advice to employers looking to attract talent to Scotland, as well as supporting people considering Scotland, from across the UK and abroad, as a place to live and work. Scotland has a large, established migrant community and I welcome the contribution new Scots are making, and continue to make, to our economy and society.

The census data released today also demonstrates how the makeup of our population is changing. There are more people in the older age groups than ever recorded in Scotland's Census. There are now over a quarter of a million people aged 65 and over than there are under 15. In contrast, just a few decades ago, results from the 1971 census showed there were twice as many people under 15 than over 65.

We know this shift is not unique to Scotland, with most mature global economies seeing similar trends. Recent censuses in the rest of the UK and in several other G7 countries showed that their populations are ageing too. Understanding these changes in the population will allow local authorities and the government to adapt vital public services to better meet the needs of those living and working in Scotland. The Scottish Government has stated our commitment to engage with the 'Older People’s Strategic Action Forum' to identify and develop solutions to barriers faced by older people. However, with the population living longer on average, it is also vital to recognise the role that older people will continue to play in our society and the ongoing opportunities this provides for us all.

Census data released today also shines a light on our shifting household patterns. Since 2011, there has been a household increase of 5.8% - higher than the increase in the population (2.7%). We know that older people are more likely to live alone or in smaller households and that there is a related trend towards smaller households and more households overall. This trend further demonstrates the importance of our plan to take forward the delivery of 'A Connected Scotland', launched March 2023, and our continued support for organisations through the 'Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund'.

Geographically, there is also a range of insightful trends across Scotland within the data. Most of the council areas in Scotland’s central belt saw increases in their populations, particularly those around Edinburgh. These increases were driven by migration from within Scotland and from elsewhere. Most of the council areas that saw a decrease in population are in the west or south west. These decreases were driven by a higher number of deaths than births between censuses.

Following today’s publication, NRS will publish further results from Scotland’s Census 2022 from spring 2024 onwards. In summer 2024, a series of topic data reports will provide new and unique insights into the characteristics of Scotland's people, including information on ethnicity, religion, the labour market, education and housing. For the first time, it will also include data on armed forces veterans, sexual orientation and trans status or history.

The information published from Scotland’s Census will help to shape Scotland for future generations and is a vital asset for the whole of Scotland. I urge all members to engage with the data from Scotland’s Census 2022 and further explore the fascinating insight it provides on Scotland’s population.