Population projections for the Highlands

11th February 2010

If the trends of recent years continue, the population of the Highlands is set to reach 257,965 by 2033, representing an increase of 18% (38,565) from the 2008 population of 219,400. This is a higher rate of population increase than given by the previous 2006-based projections.

The projections come from the General Registers Office for Scotland and assume that sustained high rates of inward migration to Highland will continue into the future, as will the recent modest increase in birth rates.

The projected increase is the fifth highest growth rate in Scotland and compares with 7% for Scotland overall. East Lothian, Perth and Kinross and Clackmannanshire show the highest growth rates.

The birth rate increase is expected to result in an 8% increase in the number of children. The number of people in the 16 to 64 age group remains static.

The population is expected to continue to age, with a 60% increase (13,200) in the 65 to 74 age group and a 122% increase (22,000) in the 75+ age group.

The projections suggest that Highland continues to be an attractive place to live and work, and that our high educational standards and quality of life attract families as well more mature people making a lifestyle choice to live here. The growth of the UHI Millennium Institute and its progress towards full university title will develop our knowledge based economy and encourage more your people to stay or move into Highland, and provide a balanced workforce which can sustain a vibrant economy. The increasing number of older people will provide a challenge for service providers and policy makers.

Councillor Ian Ross, Chairman of The Highland Council's Planning Environment and Development Committee, welcomed the latest population projections for the Highlands.

He said: "These projections are very interesting indeed. They point to continued growth and inward migration and show the Highlands continue to be an attractive place to live and work - this must be good news for the Highlands. The projections will be used to help shape future development plans for the future. In the longer term, one of the challenges will be to ensure we have a big enough pool of available workers to provide services for an ageing population."

Mopre information can be found in the highland Council briefing notes 2008 - 20033 at http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourcouncil/highlandfactsandfigures/publications/papersandbriefingnotes.htm