Following the publication of the first outputs from Scotland’s
Census 2022, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs
and Culture said:
“Today’s publication represents a historic moment 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.
It also confirms this growth has been driven by inward migration,
demonstrating that Scotland is an attractive place to come to
live and work. However we know Scotland faces an ongoing
population challenge with fewer births than deaths registered in
Scotland since 2011, which reinforces just how damaging Brexit
continues to be for Scotland with the loss of freedom of
movement.
“The census also shows that, in line with many other countries,
our population is aging. 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 – including our large, established
migrant community, whose contribution we greatly welcome. As
outlined in the Programme for Government, we will publish an
Addressing Depopulation Action Plan which will set out the first
phase of our response to population decline occurring in some of
Scotland’s communities.
“We will also introduce a Talent Attraction and Migration Service
to support more people to live and work here. We have also called
on the UK Government to devolve immigration powers to the
Scottish Parliament and work with us to deliver our proposal for
a Rural Visa Pilot to enable rural and island communities to
attract migrants in line with local needs.
“The Census also shows a trend towards smaller households and
more households overall, which further demonstrates the
importance of our strategy to tackle social isolation and
loneliness through stronger social connections, and our continued
funding for organisations working to address this issue.”
Background
Scotland's Census 2022 - Rounded
population estimates
Following the collection of Scotland’s Census 2022, National
Records of Scotland updated its statistical methods to ensure
outputs represent 100% of Scotland’s population. This approach
has been commended by the independent Office for Statistics
Regulation (OSR) who have awarded Scotland’s census outputs
National Statistics designation based on the high quality and
good practice of the statistics. The updated methodology was
supported by a panel of independent international census and
statistical experts, who have worked closely with NRS since the
collection period.
Following today’s publication, National Records of Scotland 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.
