The council areas in Scotland with highest population growth and decline projections - new figures
Scotland’s population is expected to grow by 2 percent to 5.54 million in the decade up to 2028 – but more council areas will experience population decline than in previous years.
The latest National Records of Scotland (NRS) analysis shows migration has been - and will continue to be - a major driver in population changes for most parts of the country.
Scotland’s overall population grew by 4 percent to 5.46 million between mid-2009 and the end of June 2019, with a further 2 percent growth projected in the decade up to mid-2028 to 5.54 million.
Here, we list the variation in projected population changes between Scotland’s council areas in terms of highest growth and decline, for the decade up to 2028.
It is worth noting these predictions do not take into account recent changes, such as the increase in deaths due to Covid-19 or the changes to migration as a result of travel restrictions imposed during the pandemic.
Here, we list the variation in projected population changes between Scotland’s council areas in terms of highest growth and decline, for the decade up to 2028.
5. West Lothian
West Lothian has the fifth highest projected population growth at 5.9%, ahead of Stirling. West Lothian is one of the few councils where births are projected to exceed deaths. Photo: JPI Media
6. Stirling
4.8% growth is predicted in Stirling, which has the second highest projected population growth for a Scottish city after Edinburgh. Photo: TSPL
8. Falkirk
A 3.2% population growth is projected in the Falkirk Council area. Photo: Robert Perry